2013 Update 2 PDF

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Restoring Meanders to
Straightened Rivers
1.8 Restoring a meandering course to a high energy river

Rottal Burn
Location Glen Clova, Angus, Scotland NO36936919

Date of construction Two phases - May/June 2012 and August 2012
Length 1,200m
Cost 200,000
Rottal Burn
High energy, gravel
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
Description
The Rottal Burn has a steep catchment of 17.05km to its
confluence with the River South Esk. The final 1km of the
Rottal Burn between Rottal Lodge and its confluence with the
River South Esk was realigned and straightened soon after the
1830s. In this final reach the steep catchment meets the South
Esk glen. This reduces the gradient and results in deposition of
bed material. The bed of the channelized burn was continually
aggrading and sediment was sediment was being deposited at
the confluence with the River South Esk. In response, sand, gravel
and cobbles had been dredged and and used for agricultural
embankments (up to 2.2m above field level) to reduce the
frequency of flooding of the surrounding fields. In 2003, the
stretch was dredged again, destroying the existing habitat.
The River South Esk and its tributaries are designated for
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and freshwater pearl mussel
(Margaritifera margaritifera). Although spawning habitat was
present in the burn, the lack of variation resulted in low numbers
of juvenile salmonids and any fry produced were often washed
out of the burn by spate flows. Working with the supportive
Click Here
to view details
5812

SAC
Project specific
Fish, Habitat,
monitoring
Macroinvertebrates, Plants,
Birds, Morphology
owner of Rottal Estates, the fisheries trust saw an opportunity

to improve the availability of fish habitat, and improve the
overall habitat, by restoring the burn to a naturally functioning
state and reconnecting it with its floodplain. This would support
the recovery of sustainable populations of Atlantic salmon,
brown trout (Salmo trutta) and, in the long term, freshwater
pearl mussel (which is dependant on salmonids for the
completion of its life cycle).
Council planning permission, a CAR engineering works (Controlled
Activities (Scotland) Regulations) licence and a Habitat Regulations
Appraisal, due to the site being within a SAC, were all necessary.
Dredged gravel forms an

embankment on both banks.
The channel runs in a straight
line to the confluence with
the River South Esk
May 2006
SNH
1.8
(page 1 of 5)
These techniques were developed to suit site specific criteria and may not apply to other locations
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Design
1
Old channel
closure to be
reinforced using
root ball logs
The scheme was designed to allow natural processes to shape

the channels features, rather than focusing on creating individual
habitat areas.The new channel was over-sized compared to
the existing straight cut, to allow space for the natural features
to develop. It was also anticipated that the burn would actively
adjust its course within the wide corridor between the old cut
to the north and a knoll and new spoil bunds to the south
(Figure 1.8.1).
B9
55
Up
ne
zo
r
pe
Figure 1.8.1
11kV
overhead
power line
montage showing new channel
29th August 2012.

Aerials SEPA
and old course
New bund
using excess spoil
Existing channel
to be infilled
Small backwater
to be retained
Knoll
(high ground)
M
New bund
using excess
spoil
River South Esk
New
confluence
e
on
z
er
w
o
L
(M
id
on
ez
l
d
yg
sh
ar
ss
ra
lan
or
ist
ic
ali
nm
t)
en
Figure 1.8.1 shows both the new

course and the old channel (prior to
it being in-filled). The work was planned
over three main zones, each around
300-400 m long.
Archaeological and soil surveys,
hydrological data analysis (flow
measurements and discharge rating
curves) provided valuable baseline
information about the local
catchment conditions.
1. The upper zone had the steepest gradient

(1 in 125) and the river was routed through a
new channel in the adjacent agricultural field.
2. The middle zone had a shallower gradient (1 in 333) and the
course was excavated within the obvious relict channel which
remained seasonally wet.
3. In the lower zone, a new channel was constructed through lower-lying

agricultural fields (1 in 500) to the confluence with the River South Esk.
This final zone is part of the wider River South Esk floodplain and
regularly develops into a wide flooded zone when the main
South Esk floods.
(page 2 of 5)
1.8
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Figure 1.8.2
Typical cross section showing a simple
approach to the channel design
Approximately11m
Excavated material used to create

new bunds and infill old channel
On some bends an additional 0.3m of gravel was placed

to seed point bars and riffles
Original ground level
Approximately 0.3m
Approximately 1:3
Approximately
1m
Previously dredged cobbles placed on bed

and slopes of newly excavated channel
The initial design concept specified the 45 degree bank

angles of the upstream reach, and a varying bed profile at
meanders. However, during construction the bank slopes were
formed at shallower slopes of 1 in 3. This was to reduce the
potential for erosion in the sandy soils and to help vegetation
establishment.
In a further change, and working on the principle that the

channel would quickly rework its material, the cross section at
each meander was formed as a flat profile (similar to the straight
runs Figure 1.8.2). This allowed the bed of the channel to be
used as a haul road for placing the gravel substrate. As a result,
the channel profile remained relatively similar throughout but
with distinct bed gradient changes over the three zones.
The restored Little Ouse
K.MacDougall/Fraser Murdoch
1.8
(page 3 of 5)
Three panoramas showing the development of the middle reach 2011 to 2012
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The newly excavated channel, viewed

from the knoll, following the old
course Sept 2012
K.MacDougall
RRC
The channel is depositing and moving sediment,

creating features July 2013
Substrate previously dredged from the burn and won from the
embankments was placed on the bed and banks of the newly
excavated channel to an approximate depth of 0.3m. The median
gravel size was 60mm with the range of material being fine
sand to large cobbles. In thirteen locations, additional gravel
was placed to a height of 0.3m above the surrounding design
substrate level (Figure 1.8.2). These locations were where features
were expected to occur and were intended as source material
for natural processes to use to shape the burn.
Fine silt and sand transportation from the site works into the
River South Esk was a major concern, with the rivers designation
for freshwater pearl mussel. Measures taken to mitigate this
included straw bale silt trapping and allowing time for vegetation
to establish before the new channel was connected.
The steeper upper section of the new channel would be subjected

to the greatest erosional pressure, so the design width was
increased to accommodate both sediment deposition and
discharge.
Excavated spoil was stockpiled and then used to infill and

landscape the old channel once it was dry. Excess material was
used to create two left bank bunds to prevent out of bank
flood flows from outflanking the knoll.
A two-phase construction programme allowed the new dry

channel to be constructed during late spring, with additional
time given for vegetation to establish on the banks prior to
the final opening.
Wind-blown Scots pine from the estate, was used to reinforce

areas of possible adjustment such as the initial bend into the
new course. In early 2013 the tree planting was completed
and a locally sourced riverbank wild grass seed mix was sown.
Initially a downstream plug was retained. However, due to

both the site layout and the short window of opportunity for
vegetation growth, this was removed and the downstream
opened up. At the upstream extent, a pipe was installed between
the existing and new channel to provide a small feeder flow to
allow bankside and aquatic ecology to develop prior to the
entire burn being diverted.
A number of challenges were faced during the construction

including the presence of overhead services, the remote location,
inclement weather, and the limited growing season at an
altitude of 220m above sea level.
replacement helped to speed up the re-vegetation within

such a short growing period. In late summer, flow from the
existing channel was diverted into the new course.
By cutting the new channel through the low lying, rush dominated
wetland vegetation, very little vegetation establishment was
needed in this middle reach. Careful turf stripping, storage and
(page 4 of 5)
1.8
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1
Subsequent performance
The new channel was tested by a number of significant flow
events, including a large spate just 36 hours after being diverted.
This was followed in mid-October 2012 by one of the largest
floods in 10 years.
As predicted, the upper reach has been more morphologically
active, with new sediment supplying the formation of gravel bars.
There has been some local erosion which has allowed a greater
variety in channel width and depth to develop. In the middle
reach, sand and gravel bars have formed and connectivity
with the adjacent floodplain and wetland area has increased.
Erosion has varied significantly depending on the bank material
(peat, sand or gravel) showing that accurate prediction of
channel adjustment is hard to achieve, and that sufficient
space needs to be given to allow change to occur.
Bank erosion and channel adjustment are also leading to the
erosion of the new upper bund. The main area to be monitored
is close to the power lines. Should any stabilisation be necessary,
this would be achieved through addition of further woody
material.
The lower reach remains relatively unchanged after one year.

This is partly due to the greater distance from the new input
of bed material and also as the spate events have all thus far
involved a simultaneous rise in both the burn and the main
South Esk. This creates a ponded floodplain with low velocities
and little energy to shape the lower burn.
A fisheries survey identified 30 salmon redds in the upper reaches
of the restored channel, while sea trout and otters (Lutra lutra)
have also been observed.
A monitoring network has been set up to assess the longer
term performance of the project. Pre-work surveys included a
fluvial audit, topographic assessment and geomorphic appraisal
in addition to baseline fisheries, river habitat, bird, plant and
aquatic invertebrate surveys. Post construction monitoring has
included repeat topographic and aerial survey from a small
remote control helicopter.
The as-dug channel with cobbles from

the old dredgings embankment 2012
K.MacDougall
Subsequent deposition and

erosion from, now unconstrained,
natural processes July 2013
RRC
Contacts
Marshall Halliday, Esk Rivers & Fisheries Trust
MMHVIENNAHORN@aol.com, 07769 655499
Kenneth MacDougall, EnviroCentre Ltd
kmacdougall@envirocentre.co.uk, 0141 341 5040
1.8
(page 5 of 5)
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1.9 Reconnecting a remnant meander
River Rother
Location - Petworth, West Sussex from SU98051906

Date of construction - 2004
Length 850m
Cost 90,000
River Rother
Medium energy, sand
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Click Here
to view details
GB107041012810
Description
Designation
The Shopham Loop is a large meander bend which is part of

the natural course of the Western River Rother.
Project specific
Fish, cross sections,
monitoring
fixed point photograpy,

water levels,
macroinvertebrates,
macrophytes

The Rother was engineered for navigation in the 18th century.

At Shopham a large meander bend was bypassed with a
straight navigation channel that featured a lock gate at its
downstream end. These gates impounded water to a depth of
up to two metres, but did not pass any river flow. The flow was
side spilled into the loop via a purpose built structure.
None
Haslingbourne Stream (tributary)

Reconnected loop excavated
to design profiles
Banktop area graded down to

field level (7.4m max) to increase
frequency of out of bank flood
flow into meadows
Ford installed at entrance

to the loop in the form of
a stone riffle/bed level control
New entry channel to loop
Key
Original embankment built up

to prevent overtopping
Figure 1.9.1
Design diagram
Canal cut
Original course of
River Rother restored
Dam closing off old channel

by side spill structure
Section 4A
(see Figure 1.9.3)
Existing channel dammed to provide

an open water pool upstream and
to prevent flow along old canal cut.
Fill material a mix of 70% sand and 30% clay
Old lock structure retained
1.9
(page 1 of 4)
Excavation omitted
along this bank section
to protect mature trees
Bridge abutments of
ancient towpath bridge
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metres above local datum
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
-8.00
Key
Straight reach
Bend
-6.00
-4.00
-2.00
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
Departure from centreline (metres)

Figure 1.9.2
Design cross-sections for straight reach and bend apex
After navigation on the Rother ceased, the lock gates were
removed which dropped the river level with flow passing freely
down the cut. The side spill structure was also opened up to
ensure that at least a part of the river continued to flow along
the original course of the meander.
The loop rapidly became blocked with deposits of sand, as the
flow velocity fell due to the reduced flow passing into the loop.
Concurrently the cut became enlarged due to bank erosion
and the stonework of the old lock was partially washed out by
floods. Several attempts were made to keep the old course of
the River Rother open, but none was successful.
The project aimed to divert flow back through the meander loop,
with a channel capacity that would remain self-cleansing. This
would also restore the diversity of habitats associated with a
meandering lowland river and increase floodplain connectivity.
Design
The canal cut was never designed to carry the river flow so it
was decided to seal it off with an earth bund, just upstream of
the old lock. This mimicked the function of the old lock gates.
The entire river flow could then be diverted back into the
historic course around the loop.
The reference point for the channel restoration design was
a survey of the loop carried out in 2002. Additionally, the
narrowest cross sections of the main River Rother channel
were referenced against the cross sections collected from the
loop and compared with channel dimensions sized by a
geomorphologist.
The bank top width was determined by on-site observation of
two stone abutment walls from an ancient bridge that provided
a reliable representation of the historic channel width.
Two ancient stone abutment walls at the exit of the loop

indicating the historic channel width 2004
RRC
(page 2 of 4)
1.9
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1
Expert judgement and field observation was supported by a
model to inform the more detailed channel design However it
was impractical to excavate the complex shapes optimised by
this model. Therefore the loop was excavated to one of two
basic cross-section designs, namely bend apices and straight
reaches, while points on the transition between them were
interpolated (see Figure 1.9.2). The bed level was set to reflect
existing conditions in the River Rother at each end of the loop
and to improve connectivity with the floodplain during high
flow events. A large scrape was excavated to create wading
bird habitat and to provide clay for construction of the bund.
In order to prevent undermining of the stone abutment walls
(which were of archaeological significance) at the downstream
confluence, sheet piling was driven down to bed level across
the river and a bed check created from a base layer of coarse
locally-sourced sandstone. At the entrance to the loop a ford
was created for farm traffic and to serve as another bed check.
It too was dressed with gravel to mimic a natural riffle.
A new gravel riffle was also constructed upstream of the site to
replace a riffle that had formed in the canal cut, which became
obsolete once the cut was sealed off. New gravels totalled
9,000, labour 13,000 and plant hire costs totalled 28,000.
The isolation of the canal cut left a long still water lagoon that
provides valuable off river wetland habitat, which helped to
achieve the overall biodiversity aims of the project. The old
Bed check riffle and ford at entrance to the loop

post-construction 2004
RRC
canal embankment alongside the cut was repaired and raised

above the flood level, ensuring that this habitat would not
be washed out by floodwaters. Conversely, the low canal
embankments upstream of the loop were taken down to field
level to trigger more frequent out-of-bank flows over the
adjacent meadows.
Figure 1.9.3
Overlays from cross sectional surveys, (viewed downstream),
of loop section 4A, (see Figure 1.9.1),
illustrating post-construction channel adjustment.
Key
Design
2005
2006
metres above ordnance datum
2009
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
Right bank
Left bank
10
15
20
Departure from local datum (metres)
1.9
(page 3 of 4)
25
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Sand in the meander loop

pre-restoration June 2004
RRC
RRC
Flow in the excavated meander loop

post-restoration 2005
RRC
The same meander loop

(three years post works)
2007
Virtually all of the initial bare banks had established a good
cover of vegetation two years post-construction (2006). Mature
woody vegetation retained during the project has contributed
woody material to the channel, and species diversity of the
floodplain has increased significantly, with many bird species
regularly utilising the newly created wetlands.
The fish community of the restored loop was consistent with
that of the wider Rother catchment. Higher than average
populations of bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), chub (Leuciscus
cephalus), brown trout (Salmo trutta), grayling (Thymallus thymallus),
sea trout (Trutta morpha trutta) and barbel (Barbus barbus)
have been observed. The stone bed check structures at the
upstream and downstream ends of the loop have acted as
spawning grounds for many of these fish species.
Monitoring of the site between 2002 and 2009 indicated a
positive performance of the technique. Changes were observed
in cross-sectional area (see Figure 1.9.3) suggesting a dominance
of erosion over deposition in the loop. There was no significant
(more than one metre) lateral channel change between autumn
2004 and a survey in 2006, but small-scale channel adjustment
has been widespread. Therefore it can be concluded that the
pre-restoration issue of sedimentation in the loop has been
resolved and that the newly-excavated channel is slowly adjusting
to a more natural, and desirable, form.
RRC
Contacts
Shopham Loop post-restoration 2009
Damon Block, Environment Agency Agency (South East, Worthing office)

damon.block@environment-agency.gov.uk, 0370 8506506
Reference material Click here

(page 4 of 4)
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1.10 New meanders replacing a lined urban channel

Braid Burn
Location - Inch Park, Edinburgh NT277711

Date of construction - Late 2008 mid 2009
Length - 310m
Cost - 110,000
Braid Burn
Medium energy, gravel
WFD Mitigation
measure
Click Here
to view details
Waterbody ID
Designation
3500

UWS
Project specific
BAP species (pre-only)
Figure 1.10.1
Planform of the Braid Burn through Inch Park
New sheet piled,

masonry clad, floodwall
Flood storage area
The new channel
incorporated parts
of the existing channel
in its design
Downstream outlet structure

to restrict flows
passing downstream
Brick lined section

of the channel
Old trapezoidal channel,

filled in and landscaped
New channel alignment

to create more habitation opportunities
Gravel shoals
Flood storage area
Coir matting installed along

immediate margins
and first stage flood bund
Wetland area created
Flood bund
Description
The re-meandering of the Braid Burn at Inch Park was a small
component of a wider flood alleviation scheme promoted by
the City of Edinburgh Council, designed to protect against a
1 in 200 year flood, with additional allowance for climate change.
The scheme utilised the flood storage capacity within Inch Park
and so provided an opportunity to promote biodiversity and
create habitat along the river corridor. The site is an Urban Wildlife
Site (UWS) within the Edinburgh Urban Nature Conservation
Strategy and delivers parts of Edinburghs Local Biodiversity
Action Plan (BAP) 2010-2015.
Inch Park is a well used recreational resource within the city,
adjacent to a large shopping centre, residential properties and
a primary school. The park has a mix of mature woodland and
individual trees along with amenity grassland and is maintained
1.10
(page 1 of 4)
by the City of Edinburgh Council. Prior to the works Himalayan

balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was widespread along the margins
of the burn where it flows through the park. The council carried
out an eradication programme during the few years prior to
the flood prevention work starting on site.
The aim was to reintroduce diversity in the width, depth, flow
rates and appearance of the burn, to allow natural morphological
and ecological processes to take place following initial construction.
This was achieved by replacing the brick and concrete channels
with sinuous meanders, runs, riffles, shoals and gently sloping
banks. A new wetland habitat was also created at the downstream
end of the burn.
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Design
Approximately 80% of the restored course was newly dug and
20% was made up of the retained channel, the banks of which
were reprofiled.
None of the brick and concrete sections of the existing channel
were incorporated into the new design. These were all broken
down and in-filled. Densely graded rock (lumpstone) of 0.075m
to 0.3m was imported and used to form the riffles and shoals.
Gravels for the new channel were recovered and re-used from
the sections of the old course which were to be in-filled. It was
deemed that over time natural processes would transport
substrate, invertebrates and flora to the new sections of the
burn. The hydraulic conveyance of the new naturalised course
is at least as great as that of the lined channel, ensuring no
increase in flood risk upstream.
As a precautionary measure coir matting was pinned in place
along the channel margins and the first stage flood bund, to
help protect the clay and soil banks until vegetation established.
Prior to works part of the channel through

Inch Park was brick lined April 2006
AECOM
Figure 1.10.2
New Braid Burn channel and reprofiled banks
Section AA (see Figure 1.10.1)
49.0
Original trapezoidal channel

infilled and seeded
48.0
New Braid Burn

channel
Gravel shoal
47.0
Temporary
bank protection
(coir matting)
46.0
45.0
Approximately 3.2m
Approximately 5.5m
New meander channel cut off-line. 0.075 0.3m

lumpstone was used to create the riffle and shoal
base to prevent excessive bed scour
January 2009
AECOM
(page 2 of 4)
1.10
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The gently sloped banks provide additional capacity and promote the
natural processes of sediment transport and vegetation colonisation
February 2009
AECOM
The new meanders were created off-line and, once complete,

were connected to the existing channel. Overpumping of
some sections of the burn was necessary to maintain flow
whilst works were carried out. The downstream end of each
meander was opened up first and allowed to fill with water.
Each meander was then left for a period to allow sediment to
settle and reduce the potential for dirty water to pass downstream.
The upstream end was then opened very slowly to control the
initial flow through the new meander in order to prevent scouring
of loose materials. During construction settlement ponds were
created to control and retain muddy water draining from
the site.
A debris screen was installed at the downstream outlet structure
as part of the flood protection scheme to intercept floating
debris and help prevent blockage of downstream culverts.
A wetland has been created in a low-lying area adjacent to the
outlet. The wetland is covered during higher flows enabling
fine sediment and nutrients to be retained.
AECOM
Eroded clay forming a stable cascade and adding to the

diversity of features within the channel May 2011
Following the works the river corridor is significantly wider,
with a sinuous channel and more natural appearance. Riparian
vegetation has colonised the banks and wider corridor, which
now has a diversity of height, form and texture that was not
present prior to the works.
AECOM
1.10
Wetland area at low flows. The height of the floodwall

demonstrates the flood storage capacity within the park
March 2010
(page 3 of 4)
The meanders have increased variability in the width and

depth of the channel and have provided flow diversity. As a
result a mosaic of habitats has been created for birds, mammals
and invertebrates, increasing the overall biodiversity of the
immediate area. Of particular note is the presence of otters
(Lutra lutra) in the watercourse, previously absent from this
section of the Braid Burn.
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The shoals around the meanders have trapped significant
quantities of fine silt during high water events and vegetation
has begun to colonise the sediment, disguising the lumpstone
structures. Gravel has been transported out of some parts of the
new meanders and replacement with gravel transported from
upstream has been slow. At one location a less dense lens of
sandy clay within the channel has eroded to form a small cascade
and pool.
Informal footpaths have developed along both banks of the
burn and are well used. Following the works the burn has
become an integral part of Inch Park that brings ecological,
aesthetic and recreational benefits to the area. In 2011 the
scheme won a commendation for environmentally sustainable
construction in the Saltire Societys Civil Engineering Awards.
The coir used to protect the first stage bund from erosion was
a fairly dense weave matting which prevented all but the most
vigorous species from penetrating. Natural colonisation of the
bund was therefore slow. Coir matting with a more open weave
would have allowed more rapid colonisation by a wider range
of species. The coir matting used along the immediate margins
of the burn worked as designed, quickly becoming covered
by sediment.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ecological surveys
(including bat, otter, badger and tree) were carried out before
works commenced in order to establish the potential impacts.
Routine inspection is carried out by the City of Edinburgh
Council to monitor on-going morphological processes and to
assess stability. This indicated that the new pool and cascade
were stable and as a result this feature was retained. Planting
within the meanders captures litter and other debris which
passes downstream during high flow events. It is periodically
necessary to clear this. Himalayan balsam has been noted
following the works and continued invasive species management
is being carried out.
The new course of the Braid Burn through Inch Park after two years. Marginal
vegetation has established well and natural processes have enhanced the
in-channel morphological features that were created May 2011
AECOM
Contacts
Peter Robinson, AECOM
peter.robinson3@aecom.com, 0131 301 8755
Iain Edmonds, AECOM
iain.edmonds@aecom.com, 0113 301 2455
Richard Jeffries, SEPA (South East)
richard.jeffries@sepa.org.uk, 01786 452 595

(page 4 of 4)
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1.11 Returning a woodland stream to its former sinuous course

Highland Water at Warwickslade cutting
Location - New Forest, 3km South West of Lyndhurst, SU273055

Date of construction - August-November 2009
Length 2000m
Cost 214,500
Highland Water
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Click Here
to view details
GB107042016720
Designation
SSSI, SAC, SPA, Ramsar,
National Park
Description
Many rivers in the New Forest National Park were improved for
grazing by cutting straight drainage channels during the 1850s,
resulting in the abandonment of a network of historic woodland
streams. These new channels had steeper gradients leading to
down cutting and erosion of the underlying sands, gravels
and clays.
One example of this degradation is on Highland Water, a small
headwater sub-catchment (4.9km2) of the Lymington River. Prior
to restoration the channel was up to 1.2m deep and 4m wide
restricting the natural seasonal flooding of the surrounding forest.
The previously wet woodland and mire habitat had dried out
and the increased channel size presented a barrier to the freely
roaming forest animals.
Project specific Geomorphological

monitoring
surveys, cross and long
sections, flow measurements,
SSSI condition assessment
The aim of this EU-Life Nature project was to stop the excessive
vertical and lateral erosion and to restore the connection
between the river and its floodplain. This would be achieved
by reinstating the rivers natural form and processes. The dual
outcomes were to achieve favourable SSSI condition for wet
woodland as well as an improvement in WFD status.
The degraded channel was

restricting both natural
river processes an easy
access across the forest for
roaming animals 2009
Alaska
1.11
(page 1 of 4)
a n u a l
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Straightened Rivers
Design
A35
Historical maps were used to identify old or lost watercourses

to guide the overall restoration design (See Figure 1.11.1).
Where they could not be identified, the design was based on
expert opinion through field assessment.
Key
Works storage area
Site access tracks
Existing drainage course
Restored watercourse route
Public roads
Forest roads
The work was was carried out in the following stages (See
Figure 1.11.2):
Firstly, selected bankside trees on the existing channel were
felled in order to create access for machinery. This also had
benefits for landscape, aesthetics and ecology, as retaining a
straight line of trees would have looked out of place in the
forest environment.
Accumulated leaf litter and wood from the existing drainage
course was then carefully removed and retained for reuse on
site. In places a new channel was dug using an excavator, but
only where no obvious channel could be found. The creation
of idealised features was avoided, but some areas were more
extensively cleared to create deeper pools to maximise gains
for fish.
Gravels were transferred from the existing to the restored channel.
Flow was diverted from the existing to the restored channel, section
by section (See Figure 1.11.2) from one crossing point to the
next moving down the reach. Adopting this phased approach
enabled a controlled diversion of the flow into the new channel,
reducing the risk of initial channel instability occurring.
The existing drainage course was then in-filled using a mix of
8,000 tonnes of hoggin (as dug sand and gravel mix) and 800
tonnes of firm clay by-product, both sourced locally.
1. Selected bankside
trees felled
6. Fill finished proud to
deter surface water flow
re-opening channel
Brock Hill
Brinken
Wood
Great Huntley
Bank
Highland
Water
Poundhill
Inclosure
0
Blackwater
200
400m
Figure 1.11.1
Map showing plan of restoration works at Warwickslade
2. Leaf litter, wood and

plants were carefully
removed from the
old course
3. Gravels transferred
to the restored
channel
Pre-restoration
profile
4. Flow diverted by damming the existing channel

at crossing points (raising water levels)
Existing drainage
course
Restored
profile
5. Channel in-filled with hoggin,

compacted by excavator movements
Restored course
7. Plants removed at the start of the works were used to dress

the restored channel and wood scattered across the site to
blend with the surrounding forest
8. Turfs were used to reinforce bends and cut-off points to
reduce the risk of erosion
Figure 1.11.2
Stages of technique implementation
(page 2 of 4)
1.11
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Straightened Rivers
1
The clay was packed tightly at 10m intervals and at construction
crossing points to prevent seepage. The rest of the channel
length was then in-filled, with excavator movements helping
to compact the fill as they moved across the site.
Fill levels were finished slightly above the surrounding ground
level to deter any surface water channelling along the fill, which
had yet to settle. This could have led to re-opening of the
filled channel.
Dead wood was scattered across the site to aid the rapid recovery
of the landscape and stop the route becoming a straight path for
humans or grazing animals. Turfs removed from the existing
course were used to reinforce bends and cut-off points to
reduce the risk of erosion immediately post-construction.
Finally the soils, ferns and small plants which had to be removed
from the banks during construction were re-used to dress the
finished work across the project area.
Sketch design diagrams were developed to provide an overview
of the works. However, in this fragile habitat it was essential
that that the contractor was sensitive to the local conditions,
therefore most of the detailed project works decisions were
made using on-site expert judgement.
Alaska
1.11
RRC
Clay infill was tightly packed at crossing points

at 10 metre intervals along the channel
to prevent seepage October 2009
Innovative tramway designed to reduce the impact of works on the

sensitive forest habitats, especially during wet site conditions 2009
(page 3 of 4)
a n u a l
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Straightened Rivers
The reduced in-channel capacity of the restored course raised
concerns about flooding onto the A35. A pool close to the road
was widened to reduce the flood risk in this location, which
would have caused major disruption.
An innovative tramway system was devised to enable materials
to be moved along the line of the channel, even during poor
weather, with no appreciable impact on the heavily designated
forest habitat.
Project costs comprised plant hire and labour (106,500),
and infill materials (108,000).
Critical to the success of this project was the preliminary

consultation that took place with stakeholders, in particular
the Verderers and Commoners. Initially, fears were raised about
the time it would take for the scar of the works to heal, but
speed of visual recovery due to the relocation of plants during
construction has, as predicted, been rapid.
The work has been well received by the local communities
with excellent media coverage. The success of the scheme has
facilitated negotiations for future works at other locations
across the New Forest.
The newly restored channel has been left to develop naturally and
no post-construction adaptation has been necessary. A variety
of morphological features and in stream habitats have been
re-established and floodplain connection has been restored
through more regular bank overtopping. This has helped to re-wet
the surrounding woodland habitats. These enhancements have
been quantified by a recorded improvement in SSSI condition
scores for the area.
The use of high quality infill material was crucial to the success of
the scheme. At other locations where a similar technique had been
used the redundant channels had been in-filled with poor quality
material, which left them vulnerable to erosion and re-opening.
Alaska
Immediately post-construction flow begins to grade

materials. Pools and riffles are developing 2009
Alaska
Well-placed shrubs and deadwood blend the old

channel into the landscape within days 2009
Alaska
The restored course includes both

narrow and wide sections 2009
Contacts
Will Bond, Alaska Environmental Contracting Ltd
info@alaska.ltd.uk, 01929 463301
Jane Smith, The Forestry Commission
enquiries.new.forest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk, 02380 283141

(page 4 of 4)
1.11
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Enhancing Straightened
River Channels
3.10 Sinuous low-flow course in an over-wide urban channel

River Somer
Location - Midsomer Norton, Somerset ST66495420

Date of construction - May 2011
Length 167m
Cost 40,000
River Somer
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
Low energy, clay
Click Here
to view details
GB109053022250

Project specific
monitoring
None
Habitat survey, fish,
invertebrates
Several on-site factors limited the extent of the works. The

channel is culverted at either end of the High Street. Vertical
stone walls line the reach, with various surface water drainage
pipes discharging into the channel. Two small footbridges cross
the channel, along with three low weirs. The bed comprised
mostly natural bedrock with some concrete screed to provide
a level surface at the time of construction of the bridge piers
and weirs.
Woodland Water & Gardens and D.Longley
Measuring existing channel

dimensions prior to works 2011
Design
Description
The overall aim of this project was to improve an over-wide
and heavily silted reach of the River Somer running through
Midsomer Norton High Street. This involved removal of three
small weirs and constructing a new sinuous channel that had
sufficient morphological dynamics to remove the need for
regular de-silting, reducing maintenance costs and disturbance.
Project objectives included: constructing a sinuous channel
using local materials (including accumulated silt); providing
diverse habitat features for fish (especially wild brown trout
(Salmo trutta), plants and invertebrates native to the River Somer;
improving the aesthetics of the reach within the town centre;
increasing the opportunity for local people to encounter a
range of river wildlife; and involving the local community in
construction and long term maintenance.
The existing Midsomer Norton Flood Alleviation Scheme and
flood relief channel was exacerbating the build-up of sediment
by diverting higher flushing flows around the town centre
reach. However, this also presented an opportunity to create a
design which was not heavily constrained by flood risk concerns,
since the High Street typically only received local surface
floodwaters.
3.10
(page 1 of 4)
The pre-restoration reach had a mean water depth of 0.5m and

a mean channel width of 4.5m.
The new sinuous channel design was constructed by forming

berms to create a low flow channel, with higher flows able to
over-top these features. This enabled the required capacity to
be provided. The flood relief channel maintained the current
level of flood defence to the High Street and allowed flows to be
temporarily diverted away from the reach during construction.
The low flow channel width and spacing of the pool riffle
sequence was informed by a suitable reference reach from the
Somer catchment.
Accumulations of silt were removed from the channel and
retained on site for use as backfill in the new design. Three weirs
were removed, retaining only the two sides of each structure
which were incorporated into the channel berms. This was at
the request of the council who wanted to be able to install
temporary boards across the channel to retain water depth,
should severe drought conditions occur.
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River Channels
3
Downstream
culvert
The berms were constructed from white lias limestone blocks

from a nearby quarry. These were hand placed to mark the
edge of the new low flow channel, allowing gaps for existing
drainage pipes. The blocks varied in size to a maximum of
approximately 0.40mx0.3mx0.15m. Planting bays along the
edges of the new channel were lined with a heavy coir blanket
and filled with the retained silt.
A carefully selected range of native riparian plants, such as

brooklime (Veronica beccabunga), water forget-me-not (Myosotis
scorpioides) and water mint (Mentha aquatic) were procured
from a professional supplier as plugs. This was primarily
informed by a survey undertaken within a reference reach.
Consideration was given to plants whose flowers would be
attractive in the urban setting and species which would
encroach into the channel to adjust the width, but flatten during
flood flows to ensure they would not reduce conveyance
capacity. Plants which would increase the physical integrity of
the berms were also chosen.
Weir 1
removed
Riffle
Footbridge
A 40mm60mm angular gravel mix from a local supplier was

used to dress the top of the berms and create the riffles.
Weir 2
removed
Figure 3.10.1
Plan view of new channel design
re
s
War memorial
Le
n
gt
16
7m
et
Footbridge
Mean water depth

reduction due to weir
from 0.7m <0.1m
Figure 3.10.2
Cross section through riffle AA
Native waterside plants

Weir 3
removed
Stone riffle to replace weir

Pre-works water level
Pool
Figure 3.10.3
Cross section through berm BB
Mean water depth

reduced from 0.6m <0.2m
Channel capacity
significantly increased
Upstream
culvert
Native waterside plants

Pre-works water level
0.9m
Natural stone bed exposed

4.9m
(page 2 of 4)
3.10
a n u a l
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River Channels
Limestone blocks laid out to

delineate berm structure edges
2011
Woodland Water & Gardens
Woodland Water & Gardens
Two sides of the weir have been retained

and incorporated into the berms 2011
Silt is used to fill the marginal berms ready for planting 2011
Local volunteers help to complete

the planting phase 2011
In June 2012 the first formal post project assessment and
maintenance visit was carried out. This was to assess the condition
of the channel against the original project design and aspirations
in terms of ecology, aesthetics, resistance to flood flows, flow
patterns, siltation and routine maintenance by volunteers.
This assessment indicated that the berms were intact and in good
condition despite several high flow events. Plant communities
had matured well, providing a diverse marginal habitat.
Kick samples revealed that aquatic organism diversity has
3.10
(page 3 of 4)
increased since completion of the scheme. Whilst kick samples

were being taken three-spined stickle-back (Gasterosteus
aculeatus) and bullhead (Cottus gobio) were captured. Many more
stickleback were also observed in the slower channel sections.
Freshwater shrimp (Gammarus pulex) were extremely abundant in
the kick samples, indicating an improvement in aquatic conditions
due to its pollution intolerance and requirement for figh levels
of dissolved oxygen. Some small silt deposits have formed in low
flow areas, but the channel is generally self-cleansing. The project
has been awarded a civic Pride of Place award for environmental
enhancement from Midsomer Norton Town Council.
a n u a l
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River Channels
Maintenance, carried out by volunteers from the Friends of
the River Somer group, has helped to keep the channel free of
litter and nuisance species such as buddleia (Buddleja davidii),
dock (Rumex hydrolapathum) and nettles (Urtica dioica).
Section of the reach

before, showing
significant sediment
accumulation 2011
Time spent discussing and explaining the principles and objectives

of the scheme with stakeholders such as contractors, labourers
and locals was well-spent. In this case it has facilitated the
formation of the Midsomer Norton River Management Team
who will help to ensure the continued success of the scheme.
The involvement of the local community from the outset has
provided an opportunity to build a long term maintenance
strategy, and has been an important legacy of the project.
In the right location and with a well considered design, this has
proved an extremely cost-effective, adaptable and effective
technique.
During construction, just before the

planting phase is due to commence
2011
One year after restoration showing development

of diverse bankside vegetation 2012
Contacts
Luke Kozak, Woodland Water & Gardens
lukekozak@gmail.com, 07791 607969
Dominic Longley, Principal designer
dominiclongley@hotmail.co.uk, 07770803512
(page 4 of 4)
3.10
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Revetting and Supporting

River Banks
4
4.8 Bank protection using root wads
River Dulais
Location Rhosmaen, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SN645243

Date of construction March 2004
Length 80m
Cost 18,000
River Dulais
High energy, gravel
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Description
The River Dulais (Afon Dulais) is a tributary of the River Towy,
and is an important spawning habitat for migratory fish. The
river had a history of instability and planform adjustment,
with a channel cross section up to fifty per cent wider at this
location than upstream reaches. Unrestricted grazing, by
sheep and cattle, had resulted in a loss of bankside vegetation.
Figure 4.8.1
Plan showing position
Designation
Click Here
to view details
GB110060036250

SAC, SSSI
Project specific Fish

monitoring
This had reduced cover for fish and increased erosion, causing
bank and bed instability. Coarse gravels were covered with a
layer of fine silt deposits. For a period of three years the
Environment Agency Wales (now Natural Resources Wales)
worked with local landowners to fence off 4.9 km of the River
Dulais to combat erosion. However, some sections were in
need of more extensive bank protection in order to prevent
further bank failure and allow vegetation to recover naturally.
of root wads
Parallel to
the flow
Parallel to
the flow
This technique was designed to stabilise a highly mobile

reach on the River Dulais using root wad revetment. It intended
to demonstrate that soft engineering methods can be used as an
alternative to blockstone, whilst also restoring physical habitat
to degraded channels and maintaining geomorphological
processes.
Parallel to
the flow
20 to
the flow
20
Salix
Growth of root wads along bank two years after

installation. Brushwood protection can
just be seen between root wad growth 2006
20
4.8
(page 1 of 4)
a n u a l
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River Banks
Design
Salix
Trench excavated in bank 2004
Excavator moving root wad

into position 2004
Salix
Forty root wads were installed over eighty metres of bank,

with two to three metres of trunk left attached to the root
wad. Crack willow (Salix fragilis), grey willow (Salix cinerea) and
white willow (Salix alba) with an average trunk diameter of
between 0.3m and 0.6m were used. Live willow was chosen as
each tree should root and shoot to quickly bind the surrounding
bank. All trees were sourced from within the Dulais catchment
and two adjacent river valleys.
Salix
In some areas additional brushwood protection was needed in

between the root wads. Careful thought was given to creating
a smooth profile along the bank to reduce the risk of erosion.
The riverbank above each root wad was protected by erosion
control matting.
1 Where banks were more than
0.5 metres high they were

re-graded to a more stable profile
Once root wad centres were
identified a trench was dug into
the bank, with attention given to
the interception angle of the root
wad and the flow, as well as the
position of the root plate in
relation to the bed
Installing root wad in bank 2004
Buoyancy and drag equations

are available to calculate the
appropriate embedding depth
As a simple guide each trunk
was embedded 3 to 4 times the
diameter of the root wad
Backfill of each root wad

should be well compacted
over the anchor trench
Average trunk diameter was

0.3m to 0.6m
Spacing of root wads set

to 34 times the diameter
of the rootplate
2 Each root wad was installed to face

upstream at a 10 to 20 degree
angle to the flow
Installation took place from

upstream to downstream so that
the angle of each root wad can
be eyed in after judging the
best fit with the upstream
root wad
3 With no published guidance, expert

opinion was used to finalise spacing
based on visual impact of flows
Figure 4.8.2
Planform showing installation
Each root wad needed to pick up

the flow and direct it to the next
root wad, avoiding other areas of
the bank or bed
method for root wads
(page 2 of 4)
4.8
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River Banks
Rootwads immediately after installation

looking downstream March 2004
Salix
Anchor trench
(filled)
Wooden
pins
Previous eroded
bank line
Reinforced
geotextile matting
Figure 4.8.3
Bank protection utilising root wads to
protect the base of the bank from erosion
Live willow stakes
Low water level
Root wad installed into bank

2 to 3 metres of trunk
left attached, with an average
trunk diameter between 0.3m and 0.6m
4.8
(page 3 of 4)
Scour pool predicted

to form at base of
root wad due to
deflection of flow
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River Banks
Stabilisation of a complex outer meander bend has been
achieved and each of the root wads installed has grown well.
Monitoring encompassed HABSCORE and electro-fishing
surveys, which were undertaken by the Environment Agency
Wales just after construction in 2004 and again in 2006. Three
sites were surveyed within the project reach, and a further three
upstream to act as controls. At each site two semi-quantitative
and one quantitative electro fishing surveys were carried out
to determine population estimates for Atlantic salmon (Salmo
salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) fry and parr.
No marked differences were observed in fish densities between
the two survey occasions, with some sites showing a reduction in
fish numbers. However, it should be noted that the post-scheme
surveys were undertaken just one year after the works and
the full benefits are not likely to be realised until several years
after implementation.
Salix
Where flow is focussed directly at the root wads, an area of

localised scour has formed under the base of the exposed
root ball. This provides an overhanging vegetated bank, which
is a valuable new habitat feature.
Diverse bankside cover has established and cleaner gravels
are present, with visibly less fine sediment. Overall the channel
geometry is now similar to more well vegetated reaches of
the river.
Due to its rural and over-wide location, maintenance of flow
conveyance was not deemed to be an issue. Even with the
very fast growth rate of willow no post-project maintenance
(coppicing) was required.
Over-wide eroding channel

before restoration 2003
Salix
Contacts
Root wads have become established, stabilising

the bank and reducing erosion August 2013
David Holland, Salix River & Wetland Services Ltd

david@salixrw.com, 0870 3501851
(page 4 of 4)
4.8
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River Banks
4.9 Brushwood mattress bank stabilisation on a tidal river

River Rother
Location Scots Float TQ92302213

Date of construction 2005
Length 200m
Cost 170,000
River Rother
Low energy, clay
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
Click Here
to view details
GB107040013670

Project specific
monitoring
SSSI
Fixed point photography
Rother embankment erosion threatening to cause

a breach, prior to restoration works 2004
Cain Bio-Engineering
Description
This tidal section of the River Rother has undergone many
centuries of river management for land drainage and navigation.
The channel is characterised by long stretches of deposited
littoral sediments. These preferentially deposit on the inside of
meander bends with resultant erosion through rotational slips
on the opposite (outer) banks. In some places breaching of the
flood embankment is a concern.
4.9
(page 1 of 3)
The aim of this project was to prevent further erosion and a

subsequent breach of the flood embankment by working
with natural processes to encourage deposition on the
eroding bank.
a n u a l
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River Banks
Design
A traditional brushwood mattress technique more commonly
used on chalk streams was specified, to trap suspended sediment
during tidal exchange and so stabilize the bank.
This technique can be used in estuarine environments with
high sediment loads where the area is within the normal tidal
range. The process of sediment deposition infills the mattress
structure. Anaerobic conditions then develop which suspends
decomposition of the internal woody skeleton, providing
long-term integrity. There is nearby historic evidence from
earlier stabilized areas that natural wood has remained intact
for some 100 years.
Hardwood sweet chestnut (Castanea staiva) posts were used
(minimum diameter of 0.125m). These ranged from 2.1m up to
4.5m in length to allow for the variation of the eroded bank
profile and to ensure that at least 1.5m of each post was driven
into the bank. The posts were installed in a 1m grid along a
200m section of bank, with an average width of 11m (see Figure
4.9.1) by a long-reach excavator. A hazel (Corylus avellana)
brushwood mattress was then laid between the posts, using
3m to 4m long brush. Brush was installed to extend slightly
beyond the last posts at the toe of the structure, to encourage
sedimentation in this critical area by increasing roughness.
Installation of a matrix of sweet chestnut posts

to secure the brushwood mattress 2005
Figure 4.9.1
Cross-section of brushwood mattress design
Brushwood
mattress infill
Accreted
bed profile
4m AOD
Thickness of mattress to suit depth

of erosion along the bank
varying from 0 to 1.2m
Rock netting
Netting locked
into toe of structure
0 (AOD)
-0.25m AOD
Existing
bed profile
Hardwood posts ranging

from 1.5m to 3m in length
Posts driven 1.5m
into bank
(page 2 of 3)
4.9
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River Banks
4
Brushwood laid between posts to form
a matrix to trap suspended sediment 2005
The brushwood created walkways and safe access across the

site. Hexagonal galvanised rock netting (generally used on
rock and chalk escarpments to prevent rock falls) was stapled
to the posts across the whole surface of the structure to prevent any brushwood being lost whilst silt was depositing.
Completing this as soon as possible was essential to minimise
the risk of the structure failing during construction in the
event of an extreme tidal event occurring before the whole
structure was stabilised. The final slope of the repaired bank had
a design angle averaging 40.
Fixed point photography has shown that after seven years this
technique is continuing to prevent erosion, with vegetation
developing well, especially at the top of the bank.
Some of the brushwood became compressed by the weight
of accreted sediment, leaving the netting standing proud
above the brushwood. Cutting holes in the netting around the
posts would enable it to settle with the compressed brushwood.
Section of bank post-restoration showing

successful accretion of sediments across
most of the structure, with some netting
still exposed 2005
Once brushwood mattress installation is

complete, rock netting is secured to the
posts to prevent wash out 2005
Seven years post-restoration the structure

has continued to retain sediments and
has been stabilised further by vegetation
on the upper bank June 2012
Contacts
Simon Cain, Cain Bio-Engineering
info@cainbioengineering.co.uk, 01725 467003
4.9
(page 3 of 3)
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Modifying River Bed Levels,

Water Levels and Flows
5.6 Fixing whole trees into the river bank for flow diversity
River Avon
Location - Amesbury, Wiltshire. SU15834257

Date of construction - September 12th mid October 2008
Length 850m
Cost 34,000
River Avon
Low energy, chalk
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
Five trees facing upstream

at 45 to the flow. Install at 15m intervals
Click Here
to view details
GB108043022350

SAC, SPA, SSSI
Project specific
Fixed point photography,
monitoring
habitat mapping,
RRC rapid assessment
method
Figure 5.6.1
Plan of the works
Description
Remove two willow limbs
and coppice three willow limbs
The River Avon STREAM EU LIFE project aimed to reinstate

physical form and diversity, creating dynamic chalk stream
habitats that are sustained by the rivers natural flow regime.
This particular technique was to introduce woody material
(whole trees) to create a diversity of morphology and flow,
particularly for SAC species such as bullhead (Cottus gobio) ,
brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
parr and the characteristic water crowfoot (Ranunculus) community.
Six trees facing upstream

at 45 to the flow.
Install at 15m intervals
between existing sluice
and large willow tree
As a result of historic dredging and siltation there was a lack

of suitable gravel substrate for migratory salmonids to spawn
on and there was a need for a shift from a uniform bed with
silt-dominated substrate, to gravel and cobbles.
Coppice two willow

and remove four willow limbs
Though the site was within a well wooded corridor, the river
had little in the way of bankside trees and the resultant lack
of woody material input, along with historic dredging, had
contributed to the lack of physical habitat diversity in the river.
Design
A303
Large whole trees were installed on the left and right bank
either side of A303 over a disrtance of 850m (see Figure 5.6.1).
Six trees facing

upstream at 60 to the flow.
Install at 15m intervals
beginning at the large
willow pollard
Remove two willow limbs

and fell one brook elder
Remove one
Poplar hybrid limb
Trees large enough to extend approximately 7m into the channel

were used to reduce the free flowing width by 35% 50%. This
reduction in high flow conveyance was deemed to be acceptable
at this site following hydraulic modelling. The trees were
placed at 45 60 degree angles, facing upstream to deflect
overtopping flows towards the centre of the channel.
Fell one Poplar hybrid

Three trees facing upstream
at 60 to the flow. Install at 15m intervals
5.6
(page 1 of 4)
a n u a l
o f
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Direction
of flow
s e
re al
et sc
m to
5
1. wn
y 1 ra
el t d
at no
im n
ox sio
pr en
Ap dim
is
(th
Three different fixing techniques were used. Initially a crucifix

design was used but, where the bank was very soft, an alternative
anchoring technique was utilised. Where there were water vole
(Arvicola amphibius) colonies, or the riverside path had to be
kept intact, a staking technique was used to avoid cutting a
slot and disturbing the bank or path.
Crucifix Method
Firstly a cross-shaped trench was excavated. Then the tree to
be placed in the stream was attached to another shorter
section of timber using a mortise and tenon joint and high
tensile wire (see Photograph1), forming a crucifix shape.
Finally the completed structure was lifted, using a long
reach excavator, placed into the excavated trench (see
Photograph 2) and then backfilled.
4560
3m lengths of 40mm reinforced

steel through pre-drilled holes to
hold tree to river bed
um
im
in
um
im
in
5m
3.
5m
0.
at
el
y2
Approximately
0.4m diameter
ro
xim
Figure 5.6.2
Plan and cross-section
Natural England
Ap
p
of crucifix anchoring
2
Trees jointed in cross fashion
and bound with high tensile wire
Bank to be well compacted
on reinstatement
Steel bar ends have washer on
and burred to hold tree
40mm
Detail of washers
3m
End of steel
bar burred
Washer to
hold tree
Natural England
(page 2 of 4)
5.6
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5
M
im
in
um
Direction
of flow
Steel cable
Diameter and rating
to suit
90
A
0. ppr
4m o
x
di ima
am te
e t ly
er
5m
1.
Ground anchor
Figure 5.6.3
Plan and cross-section
of Ground anchoring
Cross-section of ground anchor

Bank to be well compacted
on reinstatement
Deep enough
to prevent
cable being
exposed in future
Minimum 1m
45 60
M
um
im
in
5m
3.
Ground Anchoring
High tensile steel cables were attached to the
main trunk and a narrow trench dug into the
bank to accommodate the cable. Using a long
reach excavator, the tree was lowered into its
trench and backfilled.
Steel cable.
Diameter and rating
to suit
Ground anchor
The end of the cable was then seared with a

ground anchor and the trench backfilled,
completely covering the cable.
Photograph of
staking method
Staking
This was used where the river banks were soft.
The end of the tree trunk to be used was
sharpened and then pulled horizontally into
the bank (using the long reach excavator),
embeded by approximately 2 metres.
In all cases the trees were pinned to the river bed
with 3m long, 40mm diameter reinforced steel
bars to ensure that they did not move or pull
free from the bank. Holes were drilled into the
trunk before it was placed in the river. The structure
was then pinned into place by the excavator
bucket, pushing the bars through the pre-drilled
holes into the river bed to a depth of 2m. The
steel bars were a requirement to get flood defence
consent for the work. However, understanding
of how much achoring is required has improved.
Natural England
5.6
(page 3 of 4)
The sharpened end of tree trunks being pushed 2m horizontally

into the bank using a long reach excavator 2008
a n u a l
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Reach-scale mapping of all sites was undertaken including
fluvial audit, physical biotope mapping, river corridor survey
and repeat photography. Results showed that the installation
of woody material has created greater flow variability. There
are now areas of marginal dead water and faster flowing water
creating more varied habitat. Sediment accumulations are now
concentrated at the channel margins rather than on the channel
bed along the main flow path. This is keeping the gravel bed
clean for spawning habitat and provides silty marginal habitat
for brook lamprey.
spp.) and water mint (Mentha aquatica). The low gradient and
deep channel remains a limitation on the extent and diversity
of macrophyte growth within the channel.
The aquatic plants are annually managed by cutting throughout
the River Avon catchment. The fishing club initially reported
problems for their weed cutting boat, so in some reaches 1.5m
to 2m was cut off the outer ends of the submerged trees. In
other places they have been trimmed where they protruded
above water level to reduce snagging of fishing lines and the
cut weed.
The dominant vegetation remains similar to that observed

prior to restoration. Additional species were observed in 2009,
including water crowfoot (Ranunculus spp.), watercress (Cruciferae
Wide slow
flowing
channel
lacking flow
variability
August 2008
RRC
Trees installed on
the right bank.
Submerged with
branches just
protruding out
of the water
January 2009
RRC
One year later, wood deflectors

are collecting rafts of weed and
providing shade, cover and habitat.
Silt has been deposited between
the deflectors.
Marginal plants are now starting
to establish in the silt narrowing
the channel July 2009
RRC
Contacts
Jenny Wheeldon, Environment Agency/Natural England Adviser,
formerly Avon STREAM Project manager
Jenny.Wheeldon@naturalengland.org.uk, 0845 6003078

(page 4 of 4)
5.6
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5.7 Felling and placing trees for habitat and flow diversity
River Bure
Location - Blickling Estate, Norfolk. TG161301

Date of construction - Phase 1 - Nov. 2008
- Phase 2 - Nov. 2010
Length 300m
Cost approx. 5,000 (including staff wages, chainsaw fuel
and volunteer expenses)
River Bure
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
Mill Farm
Figure 5.7.1
Plan of the River bure
in the Blickling Estate
Phase 1
2008
Footbridge
Ch
ur
ch
Ro
ad
R B
ure
Phase 2
2010
100m
Description
The aim of the project was to re-establish the natural river
processes interrupted by past management and to provide
morphological, hydrological and habitat diversity. The project
was completed in two phases. The project was low cost, used
on-site materials and had minimal impact on the riparian
zone.
The River Bure at Blickling National Trust Estate had been
historically altered for milling and, more recently, meanders
were cut off at the end of the 19th century. The local channel
gradient is moderate (between 1 in 300 and 1 in 800) and the
river has a gravel bed with a significant overlying silt layer in
an over-widened channel. The river is flashy, prone to high
flows during and after heavy rain especially in the winter. The
riparian and adjacent land is well wooded, with alder and willow
carr and remnants of ancient woodland.
(page 1 of 3)
Click Here
to view details
GB108049007170

SAC, SPA, SSSI
Project specific
Fish, macroinvertebrates,
monitoring
plants, sediment transport

and distribution, flow velocity,
substrate characteristics,
Woody material (entire trees) was felled into the channel in as
natural a form as possible to increase flow variability. It was
envisaged that the trees would either create scour or trap
mobilised silt and sediment. Marginal deposition would eventually
vegetate and stabilise creating a faster flowing, narrower
channel with clean gravel substrate.
Design
Woodland
5.7
Low energy, gravel
There was no formal desk-based design process for this technique

beyond the broader planning of the improvement of the river
reach. Rather, an intuitive approach was used in the field, as
near as possible forming natural features with natural materials.
Flow diversity was achieved by felling whole trees in to the
river channel and leaving them in situ as much as possible.
Generally the selected trees were those which were leaning over
the water already which were likely to eventually fall into the
river. An application for Flood Defence Consent was submitted to
the Enviroment Agency detailing this approach. The proposed
works were accepted as in this particular location it was
determined that there was no increase in flood risk to adjacent
properties.
As a channel had to be kept open, some repositioning was
made with the use of a small hand winch. Often a second felled
tree pinned down one already lying in the water, so it was not
always necessary to stake the trees to keep them in place. It was
necessary to stake some of the trees. 1.5m peeled and pointed
stakes were used to wedge the butt end of the felled trees until
the tree became waterlogged. It was envisaged that a certain
amount of movement of trees would occur in flood events.
The site was intended to remain dynamic adjusting to natural
processes. The remaining riparian tree cover will continue to
contribute fresh woody material. Due to the relatively low cost,
materials used and support of the landowner it would be fairly
simple to move the trees if problems arose, so there was scope
to be bold with the works.
a n u a l
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Select trees which are already leaning over the

water and are likely to eventually fall in the river.
Fell them so that they remain attached to the

stump (often referred to as laying or hinging) or
so that part of the trunk stays on the bank. Allow
branches to penetrate the river bed to increase the
stability of the tree and to prevent the tree from
rolling or being mobilised by the flow.
3 Modify the position if necessary to maintain an
open channel if the felled tree blocks the flow. If

absolutely necessary, prevent movement with a
1.5m stake.
Once the wood is waterlogged it will become less
prone to movement at low to medium flow events.
However, significant flood events may still cause
major re-working and movement. Similar schemes
elsewhere have used tethering to prevent downstream
movement of placed woody material.
4 Fell more than one tree on top of each other to
provide a greater mass to the structure and give

a dense web of branches.
Gemma Harvey (QMUL)
(page 2 of 3)
5.7
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5
Up to 2013 the technique has had no negative outcomes and no
adaptive management has been necessary. There is a possibility
that some of the material may move so the site is visited by the
National Trust countryside staff a few times a year, especially
after high flows, to see if there are any issues. So far no significant
movement has occurred, despite significant flooding which
occurred in March 2013.
This technique has caused a local change in attitude to in-channel

woody material in that requests from the fishing club to remove
trees that have fallen in to the river have all but ceased. Instead
the request is to modify their position so as not to block the
river. This also has a benefit through reduced management costs
from not having to use large machinery to lift or winch trees
out of the river.
There is scouring of fine sediment and exposure of gravel in areas

where the structures have concentrated flow. The movement
of sediment and the colonisation by marginal plant species
around the wood structures can be seen. These observations
appear to support effective narrowing of the over-widened
channel and an increase in physical habitat complexity.
Pre-works monitoring was only undertaken for the second phase

(2010) and consisted of flow velocity, substrate characteristics,
fine sediment distribution, bed topography and aquatic plants.
An upstream wood-free section has also been similarly monitored.
Repeat surveys have been undertaken in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Results will be published at a later date as part of a PhD thesis.
The project team has committed to continuing the survey work
to enable critical evaluation of the works.
Before Over widened silt

laden channel
Dave Brady
Dave Brady
After With narrowed channel and vegetated

berms where silt has built up downstream
of the felled trees 2012
Contacts
Dave Brady, National Trust
dave.brady@nationaltrust.org.uk, 01263 731994
Gemma Harvey, Queen Mary University London

g.l.harvey@qmul.ac.uk, 020 7882 2722
Murray Thompson, National History Museum

murray.s.thompson@gmail.com
Carl Sayer, University College London

c.sayer@ucl.ac.uk, 020 7679 0517

5.7
(page 3 of 3)
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5.8 Gravel reworking to restore a low flow channel

River Darent
Location - Hawley Manor, Kent, TQ55207213

Date of construction - September 2005
Length Approx. 250m
Cost 1,800
River Darent
Low energy, chalk
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
GB106040024222

Project specific
monitoring
Alconbury Environmental
Click Here
to view details
None
Invertebrates, vegetation
Over-widened channel prone to low flows.

Little or no marginal or submerged vegetation
July 2005
Description
The River Darent in the Dartford area has been heavily modified
over many years, including changes to channel planform, the
implementation of land drainage schemes and abstraction,
leading to an over widened channel. Prior to restoration this
section of river, two miles upstream of Dartford, was very uniform
with a shallow gradient. The natural substrate is dominated by
gravel but had become overlain by silt. Flow and habitat diversity
was limited with negative impacts on fish and macroinvertebrate
communities.
The aim of the project was to demonstrate that the processes
that sustain a healthy chalk stream could be restored and the
habitat protected during drought periods. This was to be
achieved in a cost-effective way by re-working the in-channel
gravels to form a low flow channel. The restoration work
contributed to Chalk Rivers Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets
and complemented the implementation of the Darent Action
Plan (1992).
Before (top), during (middle) and immediately after (bottom).

The low-flow channel now occupies approximately 50% of the
previous bed, supporting an improvement in
flow depth and velocity September 2005
5.8
(page 1 of 3)
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Figure 5.8.1
Sequence of gravel
redistribution and planting
Figure 5.8.2
Indicative cross sections
Section A
Iris planting
Section A
Highest point of ledge
upstream of pool
Replanted water crowfoot
Section B
Pool
Section B
Deeply excavated pool
Section C
Run at head
of pool
Pool
Section C
Shallower scrape to keep
bed highest here
Section D
Existing
bed level
Section D
in low-flow channel
Pool
Ripariain trees and banks
untouched bed modifications
done with machine in channel
Iris planted on either side

of high point of ledge
Approximately 6.5m
Design
All of the bed modifications were carried out from within the
channel, so that the banks and trees were left untouched. The
channel was re-profiled using a long reach excavator creating
a sinuous channel, with pool and riffle sequences, still within
the confines of the original channel.
The excavator accessed the river where there were suitable
gaps between trees and the creation of gravel berms at these
points enabled the excavator to exit the river without damaging
the completed work.
A low flow channel was created by moving small amounts of
gravel in a meandering path. Part of the bed was kept at a higher
elevation to create a sequence of riffles.
In other areas more significant quantities of gravel were
redistributed enabling pools to be created. Pools, spaced at
approximately 20m intervals, were designed to be self-cleaning.
Gravels were placed upstream of each to narrow the flow and
increase velocity to induce scour in these pools.
Slack
Approximately 6m
(page 2 of 3)
5.8
a n u a l
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5
The whole of the construction phase was supervised by the
designer who was on site throughout the work and provided
instructions to the excavator driver.
Existing bankside trees with large root systems acted as natural
deflectors and provided a variety of marginal habitat. A small
amount of planting was carried out, including water crowfoot
(Ranunculus spp.), yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) and purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). The water crowfoot was sourced
locally from the Darent.
Photographic evidence shows that the in-channel features
created as a result of the works have been maintained over
the subsequent seven years and are still present. However, no
detailed morphological assessment has been undertaken. Clean
gravels can be seen throughout the reach and the low flow
channel, pools and riffles provide improved fish habitat.
Comparison of pre and post-works invertebrate monitoring,
using the Proportion of Sediment-sensitive Invertebrates (PSI)
method, demonstrates an overall improvement in the composition
of species indicative of good chalk stream habitat conditions.
A significant increase in the numbers of less silt tolerant species,
for example blue-winged olive mayfly (Ephemerella ignita), has
been observed along with a decrease in more silt tolerant species,

for example caddis fly (Trichoptera spp.). This supports the
observations that the blanketing silt has been replaced by well
oxygenated clean gravel. Further invertebrate monitoring is
scheduled to be carried out at this site, and others on the
Darent, in spring and autumn 2013.
Vegetation surveys were completed pre and post-works (2004
and 2008) using the Mean Trophic Rank (MTR) method. Successful
establishment of the vegetation that was planted was observed.
Dense areas of reedmace (Typha latifolia) fringe the river and a
good proportion of water crowfoot was recorded in the channel
following the works. These observations were supported by an
improvement in the MTR score from 35 to 42.
Additionally, the work has provided a more attractive riverscape
and as a result Dartford Borough Council is currently working to
improve the standard of footpath access adjacent to the river.
This scheme represents a good example of a small scale, low cost
technique. The scheme also demonstrates the value of having
an expert on site during construction and what can sometimes
be achieved within a day.
5 years on the channel is narrower

and more sinuous. Vegetation, both
submerged and riparian, has
established well May 2010
Contacts
Tom Cook, Environment Agency (South East)
tom.cook@environment-agency.gov.uk, 08708 506506
Nigel Holmes, Alconbury Environmental Consultants

n.holmes3@btinternet.com, 01487 822020
5.8
(page 3 of 3)
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5.9 Replacing an armoured bed with boulder step-pools

Inchewan Burn
Location Birnam, near Perth, Scotland NO017405

Date of construction September November 2007
Length 100m
Cost 100,000
Inchewan Burn
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Description
The Inchewan Burn is a tributary of the River Tay SAC and
flows through the village of Birnam. The upstream section retains
much of its natural character, though in a heavily forested
valley. The catchment is steep and flashy which has caused
flooding in Birnam in the past.
Designation
High energy, gravel
Click Here
to view details
150290

Project specific
monitoring
None
Hydraulic habitat, fish
In the 1970s the village was bypassed by the A9 trunk road,

which runs alongside the main Edinburgh to Inverness railway.
At this location a 100m reach of the burn was realigned and
channelled between the supports for the road bridge. The
channel was stabilised using concrete, gabion baskets and a
stepped Reno Mattress base. These wire structures had begun to
break down and became a barrier to Atlantic salmon (Salmo
salar), a feature of the Tay SAC. In low flow conditions this reach
had no surface water flow, with all water flowing through, rather
than over, the loose stone and wire.This heavily degraded reach
was restricting access to 3km of good spawning habitat upstream,
though a steep natural chute restricts upstream fish movement
until high flows.
Close up of the degraded

Reno Mattress base
2007
A.Pepper
Although the bed could be replaced, work on the banks was

still heavily constrained as they provide structural foundations
for the A9 (the concrete right bank) and support to the re-graded
steep left bank (a three tier gabion wall).
RRC
Before restoration works showing complete failure

of the wire structure and no surface flow August 2006
The aim of the scheme was to recreate a boulder step-pool

bed to mimic the natural upstream character of the burn, and
so improve fish passage for salmon.
5.9
(page 1 of 4)
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Design
The method statement for the works was a simple concept
based on utilising the gradient of the degraded reach (1 in 14)
to form a series of step-pools, replicating as closely as possible
the upstream bed form (Figure 5.9.1).
A schematic of the reach illustrating the repeat step and pool
features (all varying in boulder arrangement) helped to guide
the contractor. Further guidance was provided using the
upstream reference site to aid discussions with the RRC and
the supervising local ghillie.
Figure 5.9.1
Schematic of step-pool sequences
RRC
and long profile
Keystones concreted in place

to prevent movement in
spate events
The natural channel, a few hundred metres upstream,

showing the variable step-pool configuration formed
by large boulders November 2005
Existing gabion wall
Repaired as required
Boulders placed on both banks

to protect toe of retaining wall
and gabion baskets
Step
Pool
Pool
Step
Step
0.5m
concrete toe
Existing retaining wall

and guard rail
Keystones pinned
to concrete toe
14m
Shoal
Boulders placed to protect

retaining walls
Gabion supported left bank
Step
0.5m
Minimum 0.5m
Pool
Step
Concrete bases
minimum 0.5m below
final stone and cobble level
(page 2 of 4)
5.9
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5
This meant that the contractor only had minimal fixed dimensions
(the number of steps, step drop and distance between steps)
to guide the placement of boulders, and the instruction to make
it resemble the upstream template reach as far as possible.
First, the wire from the disintegrating mattressing was removed.
The cobbles that had been transported downstream were
retained for reuse. The work was carried out during a dry period,
with all of the low flow in the burn routed through a 0.5m
diameter pipe.
The large boulders required for the bed were sourced from local
field stone piles. These were lowered in to the burn and placed
using a system of levers and pulleys. The largest (0.5 tonne) were
used as keystones, mimicking the upstream channel where
the largest boulders were integral to the step features, retaining
the smaller interlocked boulders (the step) behind them.
The high gradient meant that there was a need to ensure that
the keystones did not move. For this reason, a buried concrete
base and steel pins were used to fix the most critical bed elements.
Where concrete was to be used to bed-in the steps, it was
specified to be buried at least 0.5m below the stone and cobble
base to ensure that it remained unseen (Figure 5.9.1).
Excavating for the concrete base to bed

the larger boulders October 2007
SEPA
5.9
(page 3 of 4)
SEPA
Wire from mattresses in bed removed. The stone was

retained to use in the new step-pool system 2007
SEPA
Steel pins in the concrete retaining wall toe

awaiting boulder placement 2007
The vertical concrete right bank (i.e. the road bridge footing)
was constructed with a 0.5m wide toe which had previously
been hidden beneath the wire mesh bed. This stepped ledge
needed to be hidden by the new works (for aesthetic reasons
and to prevent undercutting) and therefore provided a secure
foundation for locating a number of the keystones. The boulders
and concrete ledge were both drilled and the boulders then
fixed in place with resin and steel pins.
a n u a l
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Immediately after
completion
December 2007
Beneath the A9,

five years after
May 2012
RRC
Boulders were also placed along the gabion basket left bank
retaining wall, partly to hide the gabions but also to protect
them from the abrasive throughput of bed material which
had destroyed the Reno Mattress base.
RRC
The restoration works were coordinated and supervised by

the local ghillie, and funded by Transport Scotland, with input
from RRC, SNH, SEPA, Scottish Native Woods and Perth &
Kinross Council.
In December 2007, the local ghillie observed salmon, sea
trout and brown trout (Salmo trutta) swimming through the
reconstructed section of the burn and upstream once more.
The work has made a dramatic improvement to the aesthetics
of the reach, which is appreciated by regular users of a footpath
close to the river bank.
Monitoring by the University of Stirling in 2009 compared the
hydraulic habitat and fish density in the unmodified upstream
reach with that of the restored reach. This showed that hydraulic
habitat had been successfully restored and that juvenile salmon
and brown trout were colonising this reach. However, passage
upstream was being impaired by the shallow masonry culvert
bed beneath the railway.
The success of the scheme was in part a result of basing its
design on the upstream reference reach. This provided a visual
template for restoration which could be easily understood as a
shared vision by the design engineers, stakeholders and contractor.
Contacts
RRC
Jock Monteith, Salmon fishing services
jock@salmon-fishing-scotland.com, 07968145033
The restored reach mimicking the step pool configuration

of the upstream reach May 2011
Click
Here for Reference
Martin Janes, River
Restoration
Centre Material
rrc@therrc.co.uk, 01234 752979

(page 4 of 4)
5.9
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5.10 Creating natural features in a heavily engineered flood scheme

River Valency
Location - Boscastle, Cornwall SX10009123

Date of construction - 2007/8
Length 300m
Cost not known (part of a 6.3m flood risk management scheme)
River Valency
High energy, gravel
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
Click Here
to view details
GB108049007170

None

monitoring
Removed
sewer crossing
New wall
Relocated
revetment wall
New railing
New
Lower Bridge
River bed lowered by average of 0.75m
Lowered access road

on the north bank
River widened
on the north bank
into grass verge
River widened
on the south bank
into grass verge
Extended bridge
parapets
Widened river channel
adjacent to the Riverside Hotel,
replace and extend footbridge
Retained
revetment
Figure 5.10.1
Plan of Boscastle
River Jordan
bypass outfall
New railings installed

with wall piers
showing areas of improvement
Main Bridge
River Jordan
outfall
New flood
defence walls
Description
Boscastle village is located in a steep sided and narrow valley
through which the River Valency flows down to the harbour. In
2004 an intense storm centred over the small wooded catchment
caused massive erosion of sediment and river-side trees. This,
combined with high flows, inundated the village with water
and debris causing extensive damage.
The village is of great historic value and is a main attraction
for visitors to North Cornwall. The river itself is the centrepiece
of the village. The process of Enviromental Impact Assessment
(EIA) and landscape appraisal led to the best enginering design
that would deliver the multiple flood risk, landscape and
environmental objectives.
Enlargement of the river channel offered the only viable way to
reduce flood risk and improve the flood capacity and sediment
conveyance of the river. The scheme aimed to demonstrate
best practice in achieving this sympathetically, so avoiding a
deep geometrically uniform channel. The channel was designed
in such a way that it simulated the natural features found higher
up in the undisturbed reaches of the river by engineering
features into the excavated bedrock.
5.10
(page 1 of 4)
Halcrow
Natural cascade and pool upstream of Boscastle

2006
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s

Figure 5.10.2
River Valency at Boscastle. Longitudinal
Start of
car park upsteam
section showing bed regrading
Transition
into harbour
Plunge pool
under bridge
Over dig
Transition
below Jordan
into original
Regraded at 1:45
Original river not regraded
River Jordan
outfall
Mean
Mean
14
pr
Original bed
Spring tide
level
or 1:4
ey flo
f vall
ofile o
12
aded
regr
file of
pro
:45
bed 1
2.5m mean
depth
10
8
6
Existing
main
roadbridge
4
Regraded bed
New bridge
00
100
Rivers Agency
Deposition here
post-project
Elevation (in metres AOD)
16
0
300
200
400
500
Chainage (metres)
l
tica
Ver face
pe
1 Main fracture
Slo
North wall
South wall
Design
ctu
Fra
re l
ine
lines evident in
direction of the
natural rock
dip slope
Slope
Bed
2 Secondary fracture lines

in direction of the natural strike
of the rock (at right angles to dip slope)
Existing 1m wide ledge

cut vertically but fracture
lines 1+2 are both evident
within the profile achieved
A detailed topographical survey of the longitudinal profile of

the river was an important design tool. This enabled a new, lower
bed gradient to be superimposed onto the original one, giving
the best fit with the levels upstream and downstream of the reach.
The natural valley slope at Boscastle is 1 in 45 and the channel
bed upstream of the village has a depth of approximately 2.5m.
Extending this channel depth down through the village to the
harbour, the longitudinal section showed the original bed to
be typically 1 metre higher. This helped to explain the loss of
capacity through the village and its propensity to flood. Bed
regrading to this 2.5m depth profile was therefore considered
feasible (Figure 5.10.2).
The design of the cross section and longitudinal profile of the
lowered bed involved close study of the natural characteristics
of the rock visible in the upper river and in the harbour. The
rock featured strong bedding planes that typically dip from left
to right bank, angled downstream at about 45. It had vertical
fracture lines as well as regular intrusions of much harder quartz.
Concept drawings were provided to show how the rock was
to be removed. An engineer worked closely with machine
operators to obtain the desired result of the left side sloping
with the dip and the right side vertical along the fractures. Both
sides were zig-zagged to stay within the 'character' stone
retaining walls.
Figure 5.10.3
Simplified plan of the river channel showing the
effect of natural fracture lines within
the rock break
(page 2 of 4)
5.10
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s

North wall
South wall
Pool
Ledge cut
back towards
wall at pool
(embayment in
quartz)
Down slope
Channel walls
constructed with
masonary facing
to retain original
character. All stone
recovered from
debris screening
Halcrow
The low flow course had to be entirely excavated to best mimic

millennia of erosion of a hard rock bed.
Weir slope
down in
direction of
dip slope
Full ledge
width 1m
pe
Slo
Weir crest
at prescribed level
Figure 5.10.4
Schematic plan of weir and
pool in quartz strata
Understanding the geology and morphology of the river was

critical to the design. This avoided the potential problems that
can arise if the rock is broken out in a way that does not mimic
the natural structure. For example simply cutting to a uniform
profile could trigger subsequent collapse as the river erodes
the rock back to a naturally stable profile.
Cascades with pools below were formed along the bed with
nominally 0.2m drops at 9m intervals to approximate the
1 in 45 gradient. Excavation was only undertaken under the
supervision of an experienced river engineer, enabling every
aspect of the final topography to reflect the specific nature of the
rock in situ as it was worked. The alternative of trying to detail
the bed profile for the contractor would have been impractical.
Deepened channel using

natural fracture lines within
the bedrock. Retaining walls
becoming vegetated
Halcrow
5.10
(page 3 of 4)
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s

The re-profiled river has performed well during the years since
completion. The excavated profile has remained stable, as have
the individually sculpted cascades, pools and embayments. Within
the latter a good diversity of flow characteristics provides niche
habitats, with some gravel in sheltered eddies as well as small
beaches. It is also visually attractive, enhanced by the sound
of the cascading water. This contrasts markedly with the flat,
featureless river bed that existed before.
Halcrow
River Jordan outfall. The over-deepened pool has

clearly filled with large stone sediment
October 2008
restoring channel capacity when required. As an additional part

of the scheme, large sediment is now intercepted upstream of
the village, but an intermediate reach has scoured clean and it
is this larger material that has filled the pool. This is planned to
be removed to see whether or not subsequent, finer sediment
will remobilise as intended.
Gravel beaches have formed within
the bedrock channel
Halcrow
A single negative aspect has been the excessive deposition of

stony sediment at one location. This is where the bed was
significantly cut down below the optimum mean bed gradient
of 1 in 45, to provide greater flow capacity where an overspill
culvert of a tributary stream, the River Jordan, enters (See Figure
5.10.2). Bed material has simply filled this over-deepened pool
to bring the bed back up to the 1 in 45 mean. Consequently
there are no rock features in the bed here. This outcome was
foreseen and this pool had been designed such that the
excess fine deposits would remobilise during flood flows, thus
The project demonstrated that visual references for the contractor

were essential, in the form of site visits and first hand explanations.
This helped the design consultants and contractor to understand
the complexity of the projects requirements.
Observations suggest that the key objectives of lowering the bed
to provide greater flood capacity whilst creating a functioning
and visually attractive landscape have been achieved.
Electrofishing surveys carried out two years after completion
found Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and other migratory fish such
as eel (Anguilla anguilla) had navigated to the upper catchment.
Contacts
James Burke, Environment Agency
james.e.burke@environment-agency.gov.uk, 08708 506506
Halcrow, lead design consultants

01392 444252

(page 4 of 4)
5.10
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Managing
Overland Floodwaters
6.4 Breaching a flood bank to reconnect active floodplain processes

Burn of Mosset
Location - Forres, Moray, Scotland NJ04955727

Date of construction - 2008
Length - 500m
Cost - 100,000
Burn of Mosset
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Downstream breach
of embankment
Designation
Click Here
to view details
23021

None
Project specific
monitoring
Annual & reactive
Initial basic channel

to maintain fish passage
whilst the morphology
develops
Floods
Old channel course
Confluence with
Rafford Burn
Embankment constructed
to prevent flooding of water
onto adjacent fields
Figure 6.4.1
Plan view of the sediment
Floods
acretion area
Old channel course

Ditch dug to provide fill
material for construction
of embankment
Upstream breach
of embankment
Sediment accretion
area/outwash fan developing
at upstream breach
Description
The Burn of Mosset is a small but geomorphologically active
gravel-bed stream that drains an area of 49km2. It flows
northwards through the town of Forres before entering
Findhorn Bay. Forres has had a long history of flooding from
the burn, with six events causing serious property damage and
disruption within the last 50 years.
This upstream storage area, the focus of this case study included
an extensive natural sediment accretion zone. It has a large
capacity to store sands and gravels and also retain large
woody material. This will reduce the risk of sediment blockage
or damage of the dam control structure from sediment or
large wood respectively.
A new Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) included the construction

of an upstream earth fill embankment dam designed to allow for
discharges up to 8.5 m/s to flow through Forres, with excess
floodwater temporarily stored behind the dam.
The implementation of this natural sediment accretion zone

replaced the need for a conventional sediment trap as part of
the wider FAS.
6.4
(page 1 of 4)
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Managing
The work aimed to create a mosaic of river and floodplain

habitats by allowing active river processes to develop a
multi-threaded (anabranched) system together with floodplain
wet woodland features.
A low embankment was constructed parallel to the new channel

close to the site boundary (see Figure 6.4.1). this was to protect
adjacent fields outside the area of the burn management works
from flooding. Material was won from digging a small ditch
which avoided the need to import fill over very soft ground.
Prior to the work, the burn was a degraded perched watercourse

and flowed around the edge of the field (see Figure 6.4.1), with
dredged spoil deposits used to build the flood embankments,
thus disconnecting the burn from its floodplain area.
Tree planting was undertaken as part of the scheme to encourage

the development of wet woodland. Only tree species native to
eastern Scotland and of local provenance were selected for
planting including: common alder - Alnus glutinosa (25%);
silver birch - Betula pendula (25%); sessile oak - Quercus petraea
(25%); rowan - Sorbus aucuparia (15%); and goat willow Salix caprea (10%).
Design
Two breaches of the existing embankments (see Figure 6.4.1)
were created to allow flow to spill out across the floodplain.
Their locations were selected using LiDAR imagery to identify
low areas of land suitable for the course of the temporary
basic channel, which was constructed to ensure that there
was no interruption in migratory fish passage.
The overall aspiration was to then allow natural processes to
develop a multi-thread watercourse. Initially the upstream
breach in the bank was set to maintain 80% of the lower flows
in the existing channel, and protected using thirty tonnes of
locally sourced granite placed within the breach opening.
This was to ensure that species within the existing channel
could continue to use the available habitat whilst the new
watercourse continued to develop.
Royal Haskoning
Whips, between 0.45m and 0.6m in length were planted, as

these tend to establish well and grow more quickly than more
mature specimens. The whips were planted in clumps of three
to five of the same species, spaced at two metre centres, with
a planting density to allow for some failures. Mesh guards
were not installed to protect the whips since there was a risk
they would be washed off during a flood event and could
pose a hazard to wildlife. Additionally, there was concern that
any mesh could have introduced man-made debris into the
natural environment downstream.
The upstream breach two years post construction: widening of breach

and gravel deposit to the left; abandonment of the old course on the right
(blue arrow=new route. red arrow=old route) 2010
(page 2 of 4)
6.4
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Managing
Scot Avia
Sediment accretion area/outwash fan has developed

at the upstream breach July 2011
Approximately one year after the banks were breached in
September 2009 the channel experienced an estimated 30m/s
flood flow (of the order of a 1 in 10 year event). The stone
protection at the upstream breach was partially washed out, as
anticipated. The breach enlarged such that the majority of the
flow was diverted along the new route after the flow subsided.
The result was rapid development of river features, including
the formation of an outwash fan (see Figure 6.4.1). Some ecological
degradation has occurred in the short term, as the old channel is
now dry except during very high flow events.
at this location could result in flooding of a significant area of

valuable grazing land. Small scale on-going adaptive management
is predicted to be necessary in the short to medium term until
this modified river system becomes better established.
The wet woodland habitat remains in the early stages of
development but has already attracted a diverse range of flora
and fauna (especially birds). Many of the unprotected whips
were eaten by deer soon after being planted; it is hoped that
this floodplain feature will naturally recover over time.
The flow interacted with woody material situated in the widened

upstream breach causing erosion on the right bank of the
original channel. Measures were taken to mitigate against
further erosion on th eopposite bank, since any breach occurring
6.4
(page 3 of 4)
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Managing
Royal Haskoning
Channel development. The acretion

area is storing woody material
and river sediments March 2012
Royal Haskoning
The material used to construct the low embankment was soft

peat. The consistency of the material was subsequently found
to be insufficiently resilient to avoid damage during flow events
that spilled into the wider flood storage area. Minor breaches
occurred in two locations along the embankment, which now
allow water to flow in to the low area on the boundary of
the site.
Overall this scheme illustrates what can be achieved when

working with natural sediment transport processes in flood
storage zones. In 2010, the Saltire Society of Scotland in
association with the Institution of Civil Engineers awarded the
Forres FAS its environmentally sustainable construction
commendation.
Contacts
Matthew Hardwick, Royal HaskoningDHV
matthew.hardwick@rhdhv.com, 01733 334455
Paul Winfield, Royal HaskoningDHV
paul.winfield@rhdhv.com, 01392 441376
Carina Oliver, Royal HaskoningDHV
carina.oliver@rhdhv.com, 0131 56122296

(page 4 of 4)
6.4
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Removing or
Passing Barriers
12
12.1 Restoring an on-line lake to a chalk stream
Babingley River
Location - Hillington, Norfolk TF72532629

Date of construction - 2006 February 2007
Length - 500m
Cost - 600
Babingley River
WFD Mitigation
measure
Click Here
to view details
Waterbody ID
Figure 12.1.1
Planform of Babingley River
Silt deposition
in bays with
additional
ecological
benefits
Low energy, chalk
Designation
Downstream section.
Lower energy reach
requiring intervention
to establish low flow
channel and expose
gravels
Redundant
channel
now dried out
GB105033047620

None
Project specific
monitoring
Fish, Invertebrates,
Vegetation (post- project only)
Upstream section.
Higher energy reach retaining less silt.
53
B11
Extent of original lake
0.6m wide
culvert
1.15m high sluice boards
removed from culvert entrance
Deflectors installed at offset angles

to create a low flow channel.
Positions agreed on site by observing
the river
Anastomosing low flow channel

in the upstream section
Rock rolls installed
to create a 1m high pool
and traverse fish easement
Description
The Babingley River rises from chalk springs above the villages
of Flitcham and Hillington in North West Norfolk. The Hillington
site is located close to the source and includes an impounded
online lake known as the Broadwater. The aim of the project was
to revert the lake back to 420m of river. This would resolve the
water quality issues in the lake, remove barriers to fish passage,
including eel (Anguilla anguilla), provide additional spawning
habitat for wild brown trout (Salmo trutta). The sluice boards
used to impound the lake were removed, lowering the water
level. This concentrated the flow and enabled the river to cut
a new channel. However, lowering the water level created a
barrier at the upstream weir, which was addressed by a pool
and traverse fish easement.
This low cost river restoration technique was possible at this
site as the landowner owned both sides. The rural location of
the site, and lack of infrastructure downstream, meant that
flood risk modelling was not considered necessary.
Existing weir
at upstream
extent of site
Design
The work was designed to use the energy of the river to cut
and form the new channel. The works were carried out in
three distinct phases;
1.Controlled removal of downstream sluice boards
Six sluice boards, 1.15m high in total, were located at the
downstream extent of the reach where the river flows
through a 0.6m wide culvert. These maintained the water
level in the impounded lake. The boards were removed
using a staged approach enabling the lake level to be
lowered in a controlled manner and allowing the amount of
sediment released downstream to be regulated.
Original lake extent
Water level
prior to works
New
water level
1.15m
Figure 12.1.2
Typical cross section of
new channel in downstream section
12.1
(page 1 of 4)
Change in flow
dynamics after boards
removed results in the
formation of a low
flow channel
Approximately
4m
Drained silt
becomes colonised by
vegetation helping to
stabilise the banks
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Removing or
Passing Barriers
12
The board removal started in mid-September 2006 and

one board was removed every two to three weeks. When
the last board was removed in November 2006, the flow in
the lake had concentrated sufficiently to start cutting a new
channel. This took longer than planned which presented a risk
to the impending spawning season, but given the long term
benefits this was deemed to be an acceptable short-term impact.
Sediment release was the biggest concern. Careful control of
sediment mobilisation was observed to reduce impacts to
the habitat downstream. Below the sluice boards the river was
characterised by bays and riffles. It was predicted the silt
would deposit in the bays and eventually colonise with
vegetation. This approach was deemed significantly less
disruptive than using an excavator to remove the silt.
2. Pool and traverse fish easement using rock rolls
The removal of downstream sluices and resultant 1.15m
drop in water levels created a barrier at the upstream end of
the site where an existing weir was located. To enable fish to
negotiate the weir a pool and traverse style fish easement
was installed using rock rolls. This was trialled as a low cost
technique.
Environment Agency
Downstream extent of the reach. The sluice

boards have been completely removed
August 2007
Environment Agency
Pool and traverse fish easement after completion.

Vegetation has already begun to establish on
the rock rolls August 2007
The easement was constructed using twenty rock rolls to

create jumps approximately 0.3m high, the height that brown
trout are able to traverse. Two lines of rock rolls were laid
across the downstream face of the weir creating three steps for
migrating fish to negotiate the barrier. A gap of approximately
one metre was built into each line of rock rolls to concentrate
the flow. These gaps were offset to reduce flow velocities
through the easement and to create fish resting areas.
It was recognised that initially water would probably percolate
through the rock rolls. However it was envisaged that the
sediment would deposit in the rock rolls and they would
quickly vegetate.
Existing weir
structure
0.3m
Figure 12.1.3
Pool and traverse fish easement
1m
0.3m
created using rock rolls
1m
0.3m
Main flow
Rock rolls at an
offset angle to
reduce velocities
Environment Agency
(page 2 of 4)
12.1
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Mitigation
for Barriers
12
3. Installation of deflector boards
After the sluice boards were removed and the water level
lowered, the river began to cut a new channel into the silt.
In the upper reach, where the gradient was steeper, the river
was left to naturally continue this process. In the downstream
reach the gradient was less and lacked the energy necessary
to continue cutting into the remaining silt. The installation
of a series of deflectors created pinch points that have
concentrated flows sufficiently to cut down to the hard bed
and create pool and glide sections. Twenty deflector boards
were installed facing in an upstream direction over a 200m
stretch.
The deflectors were generally installed in pairs, some opposite
each other and some offset. The locations were determined
by working with the river. Hillington Fly Fishing Club was
responsible for this work so the addition of the deflectors
did not contribute to the Environment Agency project cost.
Environment Agency
The newly installed deflectors face upstream and

concentrate flow. The old silt bed has formed new
banks and has since been colonised by vegetation
February 2007
One pair of deflector boards, installed at an offset angle,

after six months. Marginal vegetation has rapidly colonised
the silt helping to stabilise it further August 2007
Environment Agency
The upstream section of the restored river was quick to expose
hard bed, and braided channels have formed here. The combination
of newly exposed gravels and improved flows has increased
the amount of available spawning habitat.
In the lower reaches of the project site the installation of

deflectors has helped to concentrate the flow and create scour
holes. These pools, up to a metre deep, provide refuge for fish
and were occupied by brown trout soon after completion.
Downstream of the project site there were initial concerns

that silt would smother the spawning gravels, but these have
not been realised. As expected sediment has predominantly
been deposited in wider slack water sections, forming bars and
has assisted in natural channel narrowing. These have rapidly
vegetated. Vegetation has also colonised the newly exposed
silt helping to consolidate it and create juvenile habitat.
Some adaptive management of the pool and traverse fish pass

has been required. The approach relied on the weight of the
bags to keep them in situ. However, some movement did occur
due to scouring of the soft bed and the rock rolls would have
been better pinned in place. The rock rolls were repositioned
manually and stabilised by ensuring that they were located on
a hard bed.
12.1
(page 3 of 4)
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Mitigation
for Barriers
12
Prior to restoration, expert judgement and angler records

determined that there were little or no fish in the channel due
to poor water quality and a lack of connectivity. A fish survey
carried out one year after the completion of the project. Fish
from several year classes were present in the channel. No further
studies have been carried out to date (2013).
Post works vegetation monitoring was carried out in the form
of a presence only survey. This highlighted that a wide range
of marginal and aquatic species had colonised the newly exposed
silty margins.Species found included horned pondweed
(Zabbuchellia palustris), water mint (Mentha aquatica) and lesser
spearwort (Ranunculus flammula).
Invertebrate sampling has revealed that the site supports
stonefly nymph (Leuctra hippopus), cased caddis larvae (Goera
pilosa) and freshwater shrimp (Gammarus pulex). These species
are indicative of fast flow and good water quality.
Environment Agency
The work has created a self sustaining channel. No further

management was planned, or has been necessary. The big
advantage of this technique is that it works witht he natural
processes of the river, producing a more stable environment.
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) present

in the river four months after works
were completed February 2007
Environment Agency
Prior to restoration works.

The on-line lake was over deep
due to the presence of sluice
boards impounding water
August 2006
Post restoration works.

The channel is narrower and shallower with
diverse marginal vegetation and good
spawning habitat September 2007
Environment Agency
Contacts
Andy Sadler, Environment Agency (Anglian)
Andrew.sadler@environment-agency.gov.uk, 08708 506506
Kye Jerrom , Environment Agency (Anglian)
kye.jerrom@environment-agency.gov.uk, 08708 506506

(page 4 of 4)
12.1
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Removing or
Passing Barriers
12
12.2 Step pool cascade fish pass and culvert bed improvement
Lodge Burn
Location - Coleraine town centre, N. Ireland NW02689199

Date of construction - April/May 2012
Length 40m
Cost 88,500
Lodge Burn
Low energy, clay
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Click Here
to view details
GBNI1NB030301223
Description
Designation
The aim of this project was to improve fish passage through a

reach of the Lodge Burn in Coleraine. Part of a 1 in 100 year
design standard Flood Alleviation Scheme, a cascade fish pass
was constructed and a gravel bed installed within the culvert.
Project specific
Fish, River Corridor Survey
monitoring
(pre-project only)
hydromorphology
The Lodge Burn has a history of channel modifications including

mill ponds, drainage works and culverting. Despite its relatively
small catchment size (16.4km2), it has historically been an
important spawning and rearing tributary for migratory fish,
given its proximity to the River Bann estuary and Atlantic
Ocean (8.5km). The natural dominant substrate is gravels and
cobbles, although this has been altered in some areas by
dredging or siltation.
obstructing sediment transport and fish passage. The location of

this structure meant that re-design of the reach had to work
within a very confined space between two high flood walls and
within the culvert. The works consisted of a cascade fish pass
and lowering of the culvert bed. Thorough site investigation
was needed to ensure that the baffles within the culvert did
not affect the integrity of the culvert, floodwalls or any
adjoining buildings.
Initial scoping identified significant hydromorphological pressures

within the town. The site was classified as bad ecological status
for Water Framework Directive (WFD) in 2009. A major cause of
this was identified as a perched culvert with a concrete bed
and steep apron, located in the centre of Coleraine. This was
The scheme involved liaison with the local council, WFD

Catchment Stakeholder Group, local residents, statutory agencies
and local fisheries interest groups. A salmon in the classroom
scheme was also undertaken with a local primary school, and
the fish release was reported on BBC television and in the
local press.
None
Design
The works were carried out in four key stages;
1. Flow management; works to install the step-pool cascade
and improve the culvert bed had to be conducted in the dry.
A fully isolated dry working area was achieved by sandbagging
and over-pumping.
2. Modify culvert bed; the culvert had to be enlarged to
incorporate the loss of capacity and increased roughness of
the new cobble bed. The culvert bed was carefully excavated
0.3m below the existing level.
Stainless steel baffles (0.15m high) were secured across the
culvert at 2.5m intervals to prevent scouring of the placed
bed material.
Rivers Agency
12.2
Existing culvert beneath buildings was

impassable to fish due to depth, velocity and slope
of the concrete bed and apron August 2010
(page 1 of 4)
3. Install natural bed in culvert; a mix of cobble and boulders

(0.15m-0.3m) were placed across the bed and ramped up at
the sides to concentrate low flows to the centre of the channel,
in order to provide adequate water depth for fish entering
the culvert.
At the culvert exit, larger boulders and a reinforced concrete
lip were installed to maintain sufficient depth of flow within
the culvert.
a n u a l
o f
i v e r
e s t o r a t i o n
e c h n i q u e s
Removing or
Passing Barriers
Rock size
to be approximately
rectangular to form weir
- rock size may vary
Concrete infill/bedding
recessed below
top of rock
0.3m
Min 1.0m
0.25m
Max 0.3m wide

weir crest
0.25m
Lamprey ramp
0.3m wide concrete
with embedded
0.1 0.2m diameter cobbles
Flood wall
Terram 1000
separation textile
Top level
as shown on plan
for each crest
0.3m
0.25m
Figure 12.2.1
Typical Cross-section
through Cascade
12
C16/20 Mass concrete

foundation surround
and foundation to rock weir
Minimum 0.15m deep bed
4. Remove concrete apron and install cascade;

the concrete apron was broken out creating a 1.5m drop to
the channel bed. This was overcome by creating a series of
six steps and pools, each with a crest 250mm lower than the
previous one. The core of the first cascade was constructed
with reinforced concrete as it would take the initial force of
flows leaving the culvert. The remaining five were constructed
of large rocks (0.5 to 1.5 tonnes) concreted in place to prevent
washout (Figure 12.2.1).
A notch was designed in each structure to concentrate
flows during periods of low water. Each pool had a minimum
1m depth, which generated areas of lower flow velocity in
which fish can rest before continuing their ascent.
Spacing between cascades was 6m, therefore in total the
pass extended for 36m downstream of the culvert.
A concrete brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) ramp was
designed into one side of the channel.
Due to the constrained working space, construction had to
proceed in an upstream to downstream direction. Once ach
cascade was put in place it was not possible for machinery to travel
back upstream of it again.
Rivers Agency
Cascade during construction May 2012
(page 2 of 4)
12.2
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12
Outfall at 3.0m AOD

Concrete lip constructed at
outfall to retain water levels
in culvert reach in low flows
New bed level

approximately 1.5m AOD
at base of fish pass
Design 1 in 100
flood level
4m
3m
C16/20 Mass concrete

foundation at least
0.15m below lowest rock.
All rocks fully bedded in
concrete to prevent dislodging
Compacted imported fill

where new works are above
level of original bed
Reinforced concrete
weir with
stone cladding
Low flow notch

0.25m below crest level
Terram 1000
separation geotextile
along length of fish pass Original bed level
2m
Original concrete
ramp demolished
to required level
1m
Notch level = 1.50
Notch level = 1.75
Notch level = 2.00
Notch level = 2.25
Notch level = 2.50
Notch level = 2.75
Notch level = Outfall
Figure 12.2.2
Longitudinal Section
through Cascade Fish Pass
Cobble lamprey ramp

between weirs
Low flow weir

Approximately 1m wide
and 0.25m deep
Rock constructed weir

curved in plan to concentrate flow
and provide pool and weir fish pass
Existing culvert outlet

at 3.0m AOD.
0.25m concrete lip
provided at exit to
retain water
depth upsteam
Oval fish pools

to encourage flushing of
sediment even at lower flows
(approximately 5m long
x 1.5m wide x 1m deep)
Figure 12.2.3
Overal plan of
Cascade Fish Passage
12.2
(page 3 of 4)
49.04m
43.04m
42.54m
37.04m
31.04m
25.04m
21.65m
19.04m
13.94m
13.04m
0.00m
Chainage =
0.00m
AOD
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Rivers Agency
12
Culvert shortly after construction

completed May 2012
This project is a good example of what can be achieved to
improve fish passage in a very confined space. The new pass
has had a positive response in terms of aesthetics.
Flooding shortly after construction caused some damage to the
face of the first cascade. Gravel and cobble washout from the
culvert resulted in the infilling of pools, however this material
was removed subsequently by the Rivers Agency. This initial
movement highlighted the importance of incorporating sufficient
self-maintaining processes in pool design (i.e. sufficient flow to
maintain the pool depth), as well as the need to anticipate early
wash-out of excess material. The remaining cobble bed material
within the culvert is now deemed to be stable.
Rivers Agency
The channel post-construction

during low flows May 2012
Rivers Agency
High flow event in channel demonstrating

good fish passage opportunity June 2012
Enhancement features within Flood Alleviation Schemes are

often designed to perform in low flow conditions. It is also
important that they are sufficiently robust to withstand flood
events, as failure can often result in an increased flood risk and
difficulty in carrying out maintenance works.
It was envisaged that some maintenance of the pass would be
needed, so a demountable barrier was included in the floodwall
design to allow channel access if required. A maintenance and
management plan was developed to aid the decision making
process for when intervention may be required.
Adult brown trout (Salmo trutta) were observed upstream of the
culvert, suggesting effective passage was occurring. There was
also evidence of an otter (Lutra lutra) using the channel edge
close to the culvert. In addition a River Hydromorphology
Assessment Technique (RHAT) survey was carried out to help
quantify the effects of the scheme in the future.
Contacts
Gareth Greer, Rivers Agency
gareth.greer@dardni.gov.uk, 028 9025 3195
Julie Templeton, Atkins
julie.templeton@atkinsglobal.com, 028 9078 8600

(page 4 of 4)
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12.3 Complete removal of a large weir
River Monnow
Location Kentchurch, Monmouthshire/Herefordshire SO41022581

Date of construction August 2011
Length 500m (including backwater)
Cost 100,000 (60,000 demolition of weir)
River Monnow
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Designation
Description
Kentchurch Weir, owned by Environment Agency Wales (now
Natural Resources Wales), located within a large private estate,
was thought to be a modern reconstruction of an older weir and
was in the process of breaching. It was decided to completely
remove the weir rather than repair it, also addressing the
adverse effect it was having on WFD objectives including fish
migration.
Medium energy, sand
Click Here
to view details
GB109055029720

None
Project specific Geomorphology

monitoring
This 18 month-long project was to remove the 2.6m high weir

which allowed migratory fish to access spawning grounds in
the 160km of river upstream and natural morphological
processes to operate.
Figure 12.3.1
Plan View showing the location of
Kentchurch Weir
A scoping exercise at Kentchurch identified four primary risks

associated with the weir removal that needed to be managed
to an acceptable level:
1. Changes to flooding mechanisms A Flood Consequences
Assessment (FCA) was carried out using LiDAR data and a
2D flood model to determine the change in flood risk by
removing the weir. The conclusion of this study was
satisfactory and Flood Risk Consent was granted;
B43
47
Kentchurch
Kentchurch
Weir
Grosmont
Bridge
Mill
Wood
The Mill
Farm
12.3
(page 1 of 4)
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The 2.6m high Kentchurch Weir

prior to removal 2011
Natural Resources Wales
2. Potential heritage value of the structure A heritage study

concluded that whilst a weir had been present in the vicinity
of the site for many centuries, the current structure was
considered a modern reconstruction. The works were
permitted subject to the appointment of an archaeologist
to document and record any findings of historic significance
that arose during the excavations;
3. Release of sediment stored behind the weir. The team
needed to ensure that the demolition work did not pollute
the river, damage habitat or cause any other adverse
impact. by taking all possible precautions to minimise this;
4. Geomorphological changes within the reach of the river
affected by the weir, such as bank erosion.
Design
To remove the weir a 20 tonne 360 excavator and a 6 tonne
swivel skip dumper were used. Demolition started with a 3m
width on the left bank which was taken right down to bed level.
Once the weir was breached a line of jumbo sand bags was
used to channel the flow through this breach. This enabled
the contractor to demolish the rest of the weir in the dry as the
impoundments had been de-watered.
A bathymetric survey of the river bed upstream and downstream

of the weir, and sediment sampling from the reach upstream of
the weir, were carried out for contaminant testing and particle
distribution analysis. The latter was necessary to determine
how much of the sediment behind the weir was composed of
the potentially harmful finer sediment particles. These surveys
revealed that the volume of material impounded behind the
weir was significantly less than been anticipated. In addition the
sediment analysis showed that no hazardous substances were
present in the sediment and that the proportion of the finer
grains within the impounded material was almost negligible.
The project team had good communications with the angling
clubs and trusts that operate on the River Monnow and the
contractor informed the team when they were about to undertake operations that were likely to disturb sediment.
Initial breakout of the weir on the

left bank 2011
(page 2 of 4)
12.3
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Breach in the weir on the left looking downstream from within the
previous impoundment 2011
Line of jumbo sandbags channelling

the flow through the initial breach
allowing the remainder of the weir and
material built up behind it to be removed 2011
The remaining weir was broken up and removed along with

the accumulated sediment, which was largely fine sand and
coarse gravel. Some 50m downstream of the works a sediment
trap of straw bales held in place by jumbo sand bags was
constructed to entrain any fine sediment released into suspension
during the works. On the right bank A short length (about 2m)
of weir was left in place, supplemented by some blockstone, to
address the risk of local erosion. Much of the excavated material
was reused locally.
12.3
(page 3 of 4)
Demolition of the remainder of the

weir continued once the upstream
impoundment had been de-watered 2011
Looking upstream with the weir

completely demolished. The drop
in water level is evident on
the left bank 2011
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The scoping study carried out before the weir removal
constituted the pre-works monitoring, and included habitat
and geomorphological assessments. After the weir was removed
Environment Agency Wales continued monitoring the river as
it adjusted to the removal of the weir and have commissioned
the University of Cardiff, to study the changes in river morphology.
Some anticipated channel adjustment has taken place, some of
which will require intervention in order to prevent adverse
consequences for farmers.
Monitoring every 3-4 months between July 2011 and January
2013 has documented the dispersal of impounded gravel
from the reach upstream of the weir. In addition, transfer of
these gravels downstream has resulted in the growth of point
bar, resulting in decreased flood conveyance.
Specifically bank erosion has occurred in the reach upstream

of Kentchurch Weir following its removal. The erosion followed
very high flows on the River Monnow and was not believed to
be solely due to the weir removal. Managing erosion of the
river bank was included in the overall project budget, so bank
protection works, in the form of bank re-grading, toe protection
and bankside tree planting have recently taken place.
It is hoped to extend the monitoring to cover the effect of the
river bank re-grading. Monitoring will continue through 2013
during a period of intervention to address erosion which is
occcuring over a 250m length.
Alaska
Looking upstream showing the exposed river bed

after water levels have been lowered 2011
Contacts
Alex Humphreys, Atkins Global
Alexander.Humphreys@atkinsglobal.com, 01792 633549
Peter Gough, Environment Agency
peter.gough@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk, 02920 582749

(page 4 of 4)
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12.4 Weir lowering and rock ramp construction
River Calder
Location - Padiham, East Lancashire, SD78843308

Date of construction - March - May 2010
Length 548m
Cost 406,000
River Calder
WFD Mitigation
measure
Waterbody ID
Description
Historically a degraded river due to its industrial heritage, water
quality on the Calder has been significantly improved over the
last 20 years allowing coarse fish populations to return. However,
in-channel obstructions have prevented the migration of fish,
including eels (Anguilla anguilla), to approximately 20km of
spawning grounds and habitat further upstream.
Designation
Click Here
to view details
GB112071065490

None

monitoring
The ambitious River Calder Fish Migration Improvement project

was led by the Environment Agency and the Ribble Rivers Trust
to link isolated sections of watercourse. The project aim was
to restore fish passage on the River Calder. This was achieved
by reducing the height of the existing weir structure as well as
installing a rock ramp.
Padiham Weir was built in the 1950s to provide water to the now
demolished power station. At 1.85m it was the largest weir on
the Calder and created a total barrier to all fish migration. Since
2000 Padiham Weir had been the subject of a number of
different fish passage proposals including a pool-and-traverse
scheme, the installation of a technical Larinier fish pass, and
even a white water canoe course.
At the location of Padiham Weir the River Calder has an average
gradient of greater than 1 in 100, with a bankfull width of
approximately 30m.
Ribble Rivers Trust
A 7lb Atlantic salmon attempting

to jump the weir November 2006
Design
Prior to the works a dive survey established that the weir was in
poor condition and liable to failure. It indicated that there was
extensive sediment deposition upstream of the structure.
A topographic survey established the bed levels upstream and
downstream of the weir which then informed the calculations
to determine the level and spacing of the bed check weirs.
A hydromorphological assessment concluded that the impacts
of the weir removal on sedimenttransport, water levels and the
flow regime would be beneficial. It was established that there
would be no increased flood risk and that there was likely to be
a reduction in flood risk for at least one business due to the
elimination of the weirs backwater effect. The banks were
deemed stable enough to withstand the lowering of water
levels. The left bank was already modified with stone blocks
along the immediate upstream section and the right bank was
gently shelving.
Environment Agency
12.4
Padiham Weir prior to works creating a total barrier

to upstream fish migration October 2005
(page 1 of 4)
The end sections of the weir adjacent to the wing walls were
left in place to assist with stability. The initial drop in water level
following the weir removal was approximately 1m removing the
impounding effect for approximately 500m upstream.
a n u a l
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Extent of the
original weir
Reprofiled
weir surface
Section of
weir apron
removed
12
Figure 12.4.1
Plan View showing bed check weirs and
low flow channel
Armour stone placed

around remnants of
original weir
Sheet pile removed

and replaced with
armourstone bank
protection
Large stones
placed below each
bed check weir
Combined Sewer
Overflow (CSO)
Section of
sheet pile wall
retained
Low flow channel
High voltage
cable
Temporary silt barrier 6m

downstream of lowest bed check weir
Additional site investigations were carried out prior to on the

ground works commencing to address three main concerns;
1. A survey identified high voltage (HV) electric cables buried
in the river bed. The project design was adapted to take
these into account and location of the lowest bed check
weir was chosen to ensure that the HV cable was protected.
2. Surveys confirmed that the sediment that had built up
behind the weir was not contaminated. In order to reduce
potential negative impacts downstream a temporary silt
trap was constructed in-stream prior to works commencing.
Located 6m downstream of the lowest proposed bed
check weir, and downstream of the HV cable, the barrier
was constructed from gabion baskets with an infill of straw
bales and aimed at arresting the fine sediment fraction (silt)
that had built up behind the weir over the last 50 years.
3. Liaison with United Utilities was necessary to ensure that

the works, both during and after construction, would not
interfere with the operation of the Combined Sewer Outflow
(CSO) and that any impact could be mitigated. No further
action was considered necessary.
(page 2 of 4)
12.4
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Three bed check weirs, all 0.3m high, were installed in phases
using an excavator, working from downstream up towards the
existing weir structure. This work was undertaken from within
a sheet piled cofferdam. To install each bed check weir a
trench of 1m deep was dug and interlocking 1m3 pre-cast
concrete blocks were set across the channel on aggregate
bedding, parallel to the existing weir. The bed was lowered
upstream of the existing weir. Stones (varying in size from large
gravels to cobbles and boulders) were placed immediately
downstream of each check weir to reduce the risk of scour
causing instability of the structures. Stone armour was also
placed at the toe of the existing weir structure, where scour
had created a void, to help stabilise it. Once the installation of
the bed check weirs was complete, the existing weir was
partially deconstructed.
First of three rows of 1m3

pre-cast concrete blocks
laid across the river channel
parallel to the weir
Low flow channel formed out of

stone armour a minimum
of 0.8m thick
Surface voids filled with site won
river bed material.
The weir crest was lowered through a combination of diamond

wire cutting (wire saw impregnated with diamond dust that
can be used for concrete cutting underwater) and hydraulic
breaking. A central shallow (0.3m) v-shaped, low flow channel
was created. The crest of the original weir was lowered by 1.45m
and it now acts effectively as a fourth check weir.
Figure 12.4.2
Longitudinal Profile AA
Weir apron removed
over full width of re-profiled
section of river
Original weir profile
Bed lowered
Weir lowered
to new profile
Original river bed
Environment Agency
12.4
(page 3 of 4)
The site on completion. The low flow channel is visible through

the centre of the bed check weirs October 2010
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The design was developed such that continued maintenance of
the structures should not be necessary. The site now operates
as a full weir removal would have, with the bed check structures
effectively buried and blending well into the natural river bed.
The material used in the rock ramp was selected to withstand
the expected stream power at the site, however exceptionally
high flows over a sustained period during 2012 appears to have
caused significant scour and erosion both above and below
the weir. Flow volumes experienced during 2012 resulted in
velocities capable of entraining the material used for the rock
ramp (the 1 in 50 year return period flood event in June had a
peak flow of 220m3/s compared to median annual flood flow
of 173m3/s).
Upstream migration of fish species has been achieved with

adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta)
observed upstream of the site. Juvenile population numbers
are yet to be recorded upstream of the weir but have been
identified immediately downstream.
Electrofishing surveys and redd counts were carried out
following the completion of works, in the summer of 2010, to
monitor migratory salmonid spawning for comparison with
historic baseline data. However, bad weather and high flows in
2011 and 2012 have meant that the planned annual monitoring
of fish has not been completed. Further electrofishing and
redd counting is planned for summer 2013.
Once a portion of the material had been scoured out, the uneven
bed surface was vulnerable to further scour and turbulence and
allowed more material to be scoured out during subsequent high
flow events. The issues experienced at this site as a result of
high flood flows highlight the importance of setting the size of
stone used for the stone armouring according to bankfull flows.
Environment Agency
The site after three years. Some of the material entrained during high flood flows has been
carried downstream but the majority has remained in the vicinity of the rock ramp
and is visible near to the left hand bank April 2013
Contacts
Steve Powell, Environment Agency (North West)
steve.powell@environment-agency.gov.uk, 08708 506506
Darren Wilson, Environment Agency (North West)
darren.wilson@environment-agency.gov.uk, 08708 506506
Jack Spees, Ribble Rivers Trust
jack@ribbletrust.com, 01200444452

(page 4 of 4)
12.4

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M

1.8 Restoring a meandering course to a high energy river

Location Glen Clova, Angus, Scotland NO36936919

High energy, gravel

owner of Rottal Estates, the fisheries trust saw an opportunity

Dredged gravel forms an

The scheme was designed to allow natural processes to shape

montage showing new channel

29th August 2012.

and old course

River South Esk

Figure 1.8.1 shows both the new

1. The upper zone had the steepest gradient

3. In the lower zone, a new channel was constructed through lower-lying

Excavated material used to create

On some bends an additional 0.3m of gravel was placed

Previously dredged cobbles placed on bed

The initial design concept specified the 45 degree bank

In a further change, and working on the principle that the

The restored Little Ouse

The newly excavated channel, viewed

The channel is depositing and moving sediment,

The steeper upper section of the new channel would be subjected

Excavated spoil was stockpiled and then used to infill and

A two-phase construction programme allowed the new dry

Wind-blown Scots pine from the estate, was used to reinforce

Initially a downstream plug was retained. However, due to

A number of challenges were faced during the construction

replacement helped to speed up the re-vegetation within

The lower reach remains relatively unchanged after one year.

The as-dug channel with cobbles from

Subsequent deposition and

Kenneth MacDougall, EnviroCentre Ltd

kmacdougall@envirocentre.co.uk, 0141 341 5040

Location - Petworth, West Sussex from SU98051906

Medium energy, sand

The Shopham Loop is a large meander bend which is part of

The Rother was engineered for navigation in the 18th century.

Haslingbourne Stream (tributary)

Banktop area graded down to

Ford installed at entrance

Original embankment built up

Dam closing off old channel

Existing channel dammed to provide

Departure from centreline (metres)

Two ancient stone abutment walls at the exit of the loop

Bed check riffle and ford at entrance to the loop

canal embankment alongside the cut was repaired and raised

metres above ordnance datum

Departure from local datum (metres)

Sand in the meander loop

Flow in the excavated meander loop

The same meander loop

Shopham Loop post-restoration 2009

Damon Block, Environment Agency Agency (South East, Worthing office)

Reference material Click here

1.10 New meanders replacing a lined urban channel

Location - Inch Park, Edinburgh NT277711

Medium energy, gravel

BAP species (pre-only)

New sheet piled,

Downstream outlet structure